Every day, parents work hard to create better futures for their children. Their actions often teach invaluable lessons that shape a child’s understanding of life. For one Mexican immigrant family, their lesson on hard work became a heartfelt tribute from their daughter as she graduated from college.
How her parents inspired her to aim higher
Jennifer Rocha’s parents moved from Mexico to the US and never had a chance to go to college, but they always want Jennifer to value the importance of education. She said, “My parents told me I needed to try working as a migrant field worker to really understand why pursuing higher education was so important.”
She learned the true worth of hard work.
After school, Jennifer would run to the field and work alongside her family. They labored until late at night, surviving on just a few hours of sleep. It wasn’t just physical exhaustion; Jennifer also gained a deep respect for those who do tough, manual work.
People often overlook the hard work of bringing food to nearby grocery stores. Behind something as simple as fruits and vegetables, some farmers sacrifice their health, working in challenging conditions. They endure things like backaches and deal with bugs roaming on their faces.
She was close to giving up.
During her college years, Jennifer’s family couldn’t afford to keep her in a dorm, which made her need to juggle her studies, two jobs, long commutes, and working in the field with her parents. “There were moments when I wanted to give up, but my parents’ advice and support motivated me to keep pushing forward.”
A heartfelt tribute to her parents
These photos are Jennifer’s special way of honoring her parents. Their sacrifices paved the path for her success, and each snapshot captures the incredible strength her parents taught her. They stand as proof that, just like Jennifer and her family, we can all beat any challenge in life!
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