INTEGRATIVE NARRATIVE
I was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, on August 28, 1960, in a very small town, completely away from civilization; for this reason, acquiring an education was almost impossible because of the lack of schools in my community. In addition to this situation, my parents were extremely poor, which made my childhood very difficult. The only school we had in the community was a small room where there was only one teacher who taught first and second grade of elementary school; this means that our education was minimal. The inhabitants of my town, we had no choice but to work in agriculture to survive; there was not even the smallest hope of having a dignified living condition, nor of obtaining a good education.
Despite all these adversities, years later, I had the opportunity to move to the city of Oaxaca; here I was able to work while I was studying in a middle school. In this way, I was able to complete my basic education. After acquiring this elemental knowledge, I wanted to continue with my studies and achieve one of my greatest dreams. Over the years, my dreams were fading because I did not have the money nor the time to stay in school. One of the main reasons that forced me to abandon my dreams of studying, was that because I was the oldest of my siblings, and my moral obligation was to provide for the well-being of my family, so I had to work full time instead of study.
I never renege for this situation, although my life passed through many economic difficulties, I always accepted with resignation what I was living. Moreover, my mother's advices always strengthened me and were with me even in the most difficult moments of my life. For example, my mother always told me that in life nothing is accidental, things happen for some reason. Years later I emigrated to the United States; it was here that I could understand the meaning of the words of my mother. Fate had reserved something wonderful for me; as a result, I was finally able to continue with my dreams of studying; That's why I'm at California State University of Monterey By, almost finishing my bachelor’s degree in Spanish.
My mother has always been my guide, my mentor, and the reason for my existence. I am very fortunate to have such a wise mother; That is why I think life has given me everything. Not only my mother has guided me; to complement all these good things that have happened to me, there are many people who have contributed to my education and professional development. I would like to name and recognize everyone; my professors at Salinas Adult School, where I learned my first English lessons and my professors at Hartnell College where I achieve my general studies to transfer to university. The most recent people are my professors at CSUMB whom I proudly mention for having taught me the necessary knowledges for my academic success. One of the teachers who influenced my life tremendously as a university student is Dr. Paoze Thao. The LING 392: Nature of Language and Language acquisition that I took with him, was one of the most challenging course in my whole life. However, because it is a language class taught in English, it was very useful to improve my English learning. Another teacher who positively influenced my life was Dr. Donaldo Urioste, with his knowledge and long experience, he was always there to support me and guide me to success in my career. The course I took with Dr Urioste, SPAN 365: The Chicano Narrative, taught me to understand the life and needs of the Latino community. Most of the readings that we did in their class, are works of Chicano authors, intimately linked with the problematic of the Latino community. Continuing with the professors who have been a fundamental part of my studies, I must mention Dr. Christine Fernández; a devoted professor, always willing to sacrifice even her personal time to help the students. The course Span 426: Narrativa Hispanoamericana, that I took with Dr, Fernández, it helped me to expand my knowledge about Hispanic American cultures and better understand one of the cultures to which I belong, the Zapotec culture. Another great teacher who participated in my professional development is Dr. Pablo M. Oliva. His classes in linguistics, SPAN 301: Spanish Composition and Oral Practice, definitely made a difference in the improvement of my Spanish language. Dr. Oliva with her classes and advice helped me greatly to discover my writing and writing skills, abilities that will help me in the future in my professional career. I would like to be able to name all the people that have influenced my personal and professional development; they are so many, and I always carry them in my memory. Now, I must mention Professor Gus Leonard, who was in charge of helping me with the issues of technology in the preparation of my portfolio. His patience to teach me about the use of technology, his willingness to assist me at any time, even without a prior appointment, make him one of the professors of my admiration. Without a doubt, all these people have shown their commitment in my personal and professional development, therefore they are an essential part of my life. For that reason, I express my sincere gratitude for all that they have given me, and for all that they have taught me. My commitment now is with them and with my community and society, Likewise, I commit myself to represent California State University of Monterey Bay, with dignity.
Despite all these adversities, years later, I had the opportunity to move to the city of Oaxaca; here I was able to work while I was studying in a middle school. In this way, I was able to complete my basic education. After acquiring this elemental knowledge, I wanted to continue with my studies and achieve one of my greatest dreams. Over the years, my dreams were fading because I did not have the money nor the time to stay in school. One of the main reasons that forced me to abandon my dreams of studying, was that because I was the oldest of my siblings, and my moral obligation was to provide for the well-being of my family, so I had to work full time instead of study.
I never renege for this situation, although my life passed through many economic difficulties, I always accepted with resignation what I was living. Moreover, my mother's advices always strengthened me and were with me even in the most difficult moments of my life. For example, my mother always told me that in life nothing is accidental, things happen for some reason. Years later I emigrated to the United States; it was here that I could understand the meaning of the words of my mother. Fate had reserved something wonderful for me; as a result, I was finally able to continue with my dreams of studying; That's why I'm at California State University of Monterey By, almost finishing my bachelor’s degree in Spanish.
My mother has always been my guide, my mentor, and the reason for my existence. I am very fortunate to have such a wise mother; That is why I think life has given me everything. Not only my mother has guided me; to complement all these good things that have happened to me, there are many people who have contributed to my education and professional development. I would like to name and recognize everyone; my professors at Salinas Adult School, where I learned my first English lessons and my professors at Hartnell College where I achieve my general studies to transfer to university. The most recent people are my professors at CSUMB whom I proudly mention for having taught me the necessary knowledges for my academic success. One of the teachers who influenced my life tremendously as a university student is Dr. Paoze Thao. The LING 392: Nature of Language and Language acquisition that I took with him, was one of the most challenging course in my whole life. However, because it is a language class taught in English, it was very useful to improve my English learning. Another teacher who positively influenced my life was Dr. Donaldo Urioste, with his knowledge and long experience, he was always there to support me and guide me to success in my career. The course I took with Dr Urioste, SPAN 365: The Chicano Narrative, taught me to understand the life and needs of the Latino community. Most of the readings that we did in their class, are works of Chicano authors, intimately linked with the problematic of the Latino community. Continuing with the professors who have been a fundamental part of my studies, I must mention Dr. Christine Fernández; a devoted professor, always willing to sacrifice even her personal time to help the students. The course Span 426: Narrativa Hispanoamericana, that I took with Dr, Fernández, it helped me to expand my knowledge about Hispanic American cultures and better understand one of the cultures to which I belong, the Zapotec culture. Another great teacher who participated in my professional development is Dr. Pablo M. Oliva. His classes in linguistics, SPAN 301: Spanish Composition and Oral Practice, definitely made a difference in the improvement of my Spanish language. Dr. Oliva with her classes and advice helped me greatly to discover my writing and writing skills, abilities that will help me in the future in my professional career. I would like to be able to name all the people that have influenced my personal and professional development; they are so many, and I always carry them in my memory. Now, I must mention Professor Gus Leonard, who was in charge of helping me with the issues of technology in the preparation of my portfolio. His patience to teach me about the use of technology, his willingness to assist me at any time, even without a prior appointment, make him one of the professors of my admiration. Without a doubt, all these people have shown their commitment in my personal and professional development, therefore they are an essential part of my life. For that reason, I express my sincere gratitude for all that they have given me, and for all that they have taught me. My commitment now is with them and with my community and society, Likewise, I commit myself to represent California State University of Monterey Bay, with dignity.