My Graduation

By Maria Morales

I started writing my book the first day that I started taking classes at College of the Canyons. I didn't write the book in printing, I wrote in my heart.

The title of my book is My Graduation, because I finished the day I graduated. I took my first class in the spring semester of 1989, my final class in the spring semester of 2005. My book talks about my struggles to get an education while raising a family, as well as the nostalgia for my old country and my love for my new country. In my book, I invite people to read and write. I also want to send a message of love and hope for a better life. How I wish that every immigrant learns English as soon as they come to this country. How I wish that every woman would achieve a college education. Yes, it is hard, but not impossible. The young woman that came to this country, with a big desire of an education, finally did it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Dec 19, 2005
• ISBN: 9780595821891

Maria Morales

Nace en Tamaulipas, México en 1956, pero crece en Monterrey, Nuevo León. Se gradúa de la preparatoria en el centro cultural Lumen de Monterrey, Nuevo León en 1978, pero por motivos económicos no puede asistir a la universidad. En 1979 se muda a California con los deseos de trabajar y estudiar. Se casa en 1981 y sus deseos de estudiar una carrera no se realizan porque se dedica a su hogar. Sin embargo, nunca abandona ese deseo de superación personal que le inculcaron sus maestros en México. Vuelve a la escuela en el año 2003 y se gradúa en la Universidad de Bakersfield, California en el año 2009. En el 2011 recibe su credencial de maestra de español en Los Ángeles, California. En el 2012 recibe la maestría en educación del prestigiado instituto Mount Saint Mary’s College de Los Ángeles, California. Sus escritos están dedicados a la educación, a la cultura y a las familias. Con este libro, quiere mandar un mensaje de esperanza en el porvenir mediante la educación. Ella siempre admiró a sus maestros escolares y esa admiración la lleva a graduarse de maestra. Vive en California rodeada de sus queridos libros.

Book preview

America

Visiting my friend’s home last year, I was able to see a beautiful picture of her country, Nicaragua. She also has a plaque about her national anthem. I know this is just a demonstration of the love that my friend has for her country. In a conversation one day, she laughed at someone else’s garage door that was covered with the American flag. I had to bite my tongue to avoid telling my friend that such a demonstration of love is not something to laugh about, but instead is something to be proud of.

My friend came to this country forty years ago, and sadly she hasn’t learned to love America as her home. I came to this country twenty-six years ago, and I love this country as much as the country that I was born in. I was born in Mexico, but I feel adopted by this country.

My children know about Mexico, but they always saw their mother honoring the American flag. One of my children is in the Army, and every holiday I take the American flag out to show my love and admiration for this country.

How I wish that my friend would learn to love America the same way that I do. Sadly, some people will always prefer the country where they were born, not knowing that America is the country that deserves all our love, respect, and admiration. This country not only gives us freedom, but is always trying to help other countries to achieve their freedom. My son is in the Army, serving his country, and as his mother I am so proud of him. I am glad that my children honor and love this country the same way I do. This is my country. This is my home.

An Angel

When I was born the heavens cried

Because they knew they lost an angel.

How to survive without their love?

How to survive without their care?

How to survive in this foreign land?

Not as an angel, but as a fighter.

Fighting for justice, fighting for