The Courage of Children: Boston and Beyond XXXIII

JENNIFER BERAS ARIAS
AARON COHEN, TEACHER
Blackstone Elementary School, Boston, MA
Fifteen years ago, my father got deported to the Dominican Republic. It was
hard on my mom, especially since she was in the U.S. by herself and had to
raise twins. My mom was able to get some help from other family members for
my brother and me. She had to work two jobs to earn money to provide for
me and my siblings, and she had to find an immigration lawyer who could
work on my dad’s case.
All of this was hard on my family, and it was hard for me to deal with. My
father hasn’t been able to come to the U.S. since I was born. Still, my family
and I have always had hope that he will soon be able to come here, instead of
us having to go to Santo Domingo or talk to him on the phone. It has been
hard for me to be away from him, since I have had to go ten months without
being able to see my dad.
“I GET INSPIRATION
FROM MY MOM, WHO
IS ALWAYS SHOWING
COURAGE EVERY
SINGLE DAY, BECAUSE
SHE NEVER GIVES
UP THE HOPE THAT
MY FAMILY WILL
FINALLY BE ABLE TO BE
TOGETHER ONE DAY.”
In 2021, I hit a really low point in my life. My moods began to change, and
sometimes I was upset and did not want to talk to anyone. Nevertheless, I kept
reminding myself that I should focus on the good instead of the bad. I
continued to push myself to keep going forward and to never give up. I had to
not let it get in the way of my education. I always thought about my dad, and
thinking about him motivated me.
However, as much as I try to stay positive, I still feel empty about only having
one parent at home to greet me whenever I arrive from school. I always worry
about my dad, since he is away from his wife and children. But I have to show
courage and not let being away from my father stop me.
At times it is really hard, but it slowly gets better. I get inspiration from my
mom, who is always showing courage every single day, because she never gives
up the hope that my family will finally be able to be together one day. If you
are in a difficult situation, just remind yourself to keep going and focus on the
positive. Things might get worse before they get better. Turn a negative
situation into a positive situation.
THE COURAGE OF CHILDREN: BOSTON AND BEYOND
VOLUME XXXIII
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