Success Stories

My name is Esther Hernandez. I am Mexican. I was born in Guerrero, Mexico. As a young girl I was very happy. I had a lot of energy and wanted to participate in sports. That was what I most loved to do. I put my schooling first as priority. At one time that was something that was always on my mind. I felt that I could do anything I set my mind to do in life. However, I did not have the money to continue my education. This put a stumbling block in my life. Since I couldn’t continue my education I dedicated my life to the Church. I was in charge of all the children. I taught them catechism. I felt happy when the children asked me something. It was something beautiful.

At the age of 16 I decided to go into the convent to continue to do what made me feel good. I stayed in the convent one year but I did not feel it was right for me. I went back to my parents. I wanted to help them but I couldn’t because in my country the women are looked on only as objects. We have no value, no opinions; the only ones that matter are the men. The women’s role is to get married and be obedient to the husband and have children. The women are to be in the service of men. A lady named Feliz, who was my friend would always tell me that women too could rise above and study. In my dreams I always wished that would become a reality for me.

I got married at the age of 19 with a young man who thought somewhat like I did. We decided to be adventurous and come to the United States. We crossed the border at Piedras Negras, Coahuila on June 1, 1993. Upon arriving here I found out that it was not easy here. The English language is difficult and the culture is so different. I felt I couldn’t realize my dreams. I have lived in Austin, Texas 12 years. In 2003 I found out that English classes were being offered. This was something very important for me. I felt that I might finally be able to make my dreams come true. I have met many people with different opinions and points of view, but very intelligent and I feel that little by little I am organizing my own ideas. I am finding out that it is never too late to continue studying and learning and eventually reach some of my goals. I would like to show all those people who discriminate against women that we “campesinas,” peasant women, are also people with intelligent minds and we have as much right as men do to use our minds. We are not just baby machines. We are determined women and we are hard workers. We are not a burden to this country or to men. I love to keep up with politics and be informed, especially when decisions affect all of us and most importantly our children.

I feel very sad that this country which is so developed as one of the best, places so much blame on immigrants for its economic problems. The majority of immigrants are peasant workers with little education, much like me, but with many dreams. Our dreams are at a standstill in our country where the government cares very little about peasant peoples. We are a forgotten people that are waiting to be discovered so that we can triumph. I always tell my two children that I want them to have the best education possible because they will go on to the university and have a career. They will not suffer like I have. This is what I have learned as I attend classes. Coming to class has helped me feel like a complete woman with much courage and valor to accomplish my dreams.