Growing into my toddler years, I was always surrounded by loving faces—not just my parents, but also my grandparents, aunts, and uncles. There was never a moment when I wasn’t with my grandparents, who played a significant role in my upbringing.

 My parents were teenagers when they had me—16 and 17 years old. Shortly after my birth, they had my brother. With both of them being so young, they relied heavily on our grandparents for help. This situation strengthened the bond between my grandparents, my brother, and me. 

At the age of four, my life took a drastic turn when my grandparents were deported. This event not only caused emotional turmoil but also significantly altered our daily lives. My parents, still very young, had to juggle their jobs and raising two young children without the support of my grandparents.

Being woken up from a nap and seeing several officers in your living room without knowing what’s going on is a shocking experience. The look on my parents’ faces made me realize that something wasn’t right. I still remember the look on my uncle’s face as he held back tears. My grandma, waiting for me to fully wake up, told me, “I have to go but I want you to know that I love you.” Her tone and the effort to hold back tears made it clear she wasn’t okay.

On the third day, we finally received a call from the detention center in Detroit. Asking when they’d be back and receiving no response not only broke my grandparents but also deeply affected my brother and me. The separation was, and still is, a profound impact on my life.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, still wondering where they were. Being so young, I was never told the truth because it was believed I wouldn’t understand. Not only were they going to be miles away, but we were going to be miles away from them. Whenever we had the chance to talk to them, the same question would always come up: “When will you guys come back?” The tone of their voices would change because they didn’t know when or how long this nightmare would last.

When my father began his research to bring them back, he discovered they were sentenced to 10 years in Mexico as punishment for entering illegally. These 10 years felt like an eternity, but visiting them during the summers meant everything to me. The hardest part was leaving, not knowing if we would return the following year.

Hearing their stories about why they made their decisions greatly changed my perspective. They brought their children to the United States hoping for a better future not only for themselves but for us as well. The sacrifices they made were eye-opening. As the first grandchild, I felt the pressure to set an example for my siblings and to make my family proud. It was always their dream to see their children go to college and pursue a profession. Although it wasn’t possible for my grandparents, I am determined to fulfill this dream for them and for my future. Not having them here with me still impacts me deeply. Although they always support me, it’s not the same as having them here.

Even though they can’t see me walk across the stage to receive my diploma, this accomplishment is for them. Their unconditional love and support have helped me reach where I am today. I understand that we couldn’t go against the law and had to wait, even if it felt like another eternity. 

As I plan to attend college and major in diagnostic medical sonography, I think about them. With no opportunity for education, they came to the United States seeking better opportunities. I am fortunate to have this chance. We may not be together physically, but they are always in my heart. This impact has shaped me in both negative and positive ways.

In reflecting on the journey of my grandparents and the profound impact their deportation had on our family, I’ve come to understand the deep roots of resilience and hope that they have been passed down to me. Their sacrifices, though fraught with hardship, have taught me the importance of perseverance and the value of dreaming big. As I move forward, carrying the legacy of their courage, I am committed to pursuing my dreams with the same strength and determination they showed. Though they couldn’t be here to witness every step of my journey, their spirit guides me, reminding me that no obstacle is too great when faced with love and persistence.