John Adams’ sophomore students completed their summer reading for Reyna Grande’s “The Distance Between Us: A Memoir,” which follows Grande’s journey from a challenging upbringing in Mexico to her life as an undocumented immigrant in the United States. To deepen students’ understanding of immigration, Monica Famoso visited Adams on Aug. 31 to speak about her personal journey as an immigrant and the hardships she overcame to achieve her current level of success to the English 10 honors, English learners and heritage speakers Spanish classes.
Famoso’s upbringing was similar to Grande’s story: “We, as many [immigrant] families in the United States, struggled with money,” she said. “I was one of those kids that will go to school with holes in my socks or holes in my shoes because my parents were never able to afford clothing or even food.” To help her family, Famoso started her first business at six years old selling the limes and guava fruit off of the trees in her backyard. At 19, Famoso had a goal to save $5,000 dollars with her first husband and a dream to go to the United States. She was married to her boyfriend of two years, and reflected on the moment she realized she was fleeing the country with a man she had only known for two years: “I’m basically leaving my country, my family, my friends and my job … it just finally hit me: I’m leaving all of my life with a stranger. But I still kept going.”
She eventually made it to the United States after a rough journey, where she stayed with family in South Bend, Indiana. Famoso was extremely intelligent with three bachelor degrees under her belt, but could not utilize it in a country of a different language. Her first couple jobs required minimal talking, such as hotel housekeeping or a Goodwill cashier, but Famoso knew she was made for something bigger.
After a great deal of hard work and dedication, Famoso landed her current job as a real estate agent. While getting her real estate license, she had the additional challenge of learning both English and real estate jargon, which was not covered in basic English lessons. Famoso achieved all of this while grappling with a divorce from her husband of 15 years and taking care of her children without child support. Famoso’s three children are her pride and joy, and considers her children graduating to be her greatest accomplishment.
Famoso currently works at Century 21 Affiliated and is proud that she went from cleaning in a small hotel and crossing the border to being the successful woman she is today.
“If I can make it, you guys can make it too. You guys are already in this beautiful country full of opportunities. You have the beautiful opportunity to attend school; to go to college. You have beautiful parents, friends and teachers. There is no reason for you guys not to do whatever you want to do in life.”
-Monica Famoso
I recently had the opportunity to do a follow-up with Famoso via email and ask some additional questions about her adjustment to life in America:
What’s the greatest thing that has come out of moving to America?
The greatest thing about moving to America is the ability to provide food, house and education to my kids and also being able to help my mom and brothers in Mexico.
Do you still view Guadalajara as your home, or are you well-accustomed to America?
I miss Guadalajara so much and I wish that one day I can go back, but I don’t see myself living there anymore. This is home now. ❤️
How do you express your culture while living in America?
I think the best way to express our Spanish culture is through the food. I also wanted to make sure my kids learned Spanish. Quinceañeras are also definitely a tradition that we still keep here, and family gatherings are always my favorite tradition.
What’s something about American culture that you find interesting/enjoyable?
In American culture, I was amazed by the tailgates! Americans know how to party! The Fourth of July is also one of my favorite holidays because we don’t have the same amazing fireworks as America!
Are there any hobbies that you pursue that you wouldn’t have had the chance to do in your home country?
I love skiing, I learned how to ski when I was 40, my super white husband taught me how to enjoy winter (for Hispanics, if it’s cold outside, you stay inside.) I will never have the means in Mexico to pay for a ski trip.
Do you have any advice for immigrant children who may share a similar background to yours?
My message, please never give up!!! Use the wonderful opportunity given to you by living in this wonderful country! Education is your best tool for success! Don’t settle, dream big!
