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"I met Marc at Brown, but we met and I went back because I have to finish my degree and then I came back. So we kept our relationship long distance. ...we were not ready to get married when I finished school. ...if I had not done that job, I would have gone back to the US. Like there was like absolutely no question about it. But then I was able to get a job site, in New York City for that. One extra year and then when that was expiring, it was really it was up to Scholastic like OK, are they gonna sponsor me? But by then we were much more confident that we should probably get married. So I could have I guess I had like those that have either Scholastic was gonna sponsor me or I would get engaged to Marc". Because she got married, she was able to acquire a green card that allowed her to stay in the United States, without the pressure of having to go back to Mexico within a couple years (a visa).
Years later, Marc and her have found a place to call home in Cambridge, MA, where they currently have two young daughters. Cambridge's diverse and welcoming environment had provided them with a sense of belonging as Maria is still far from her family. Being surrounded by all of Marc's family and their friends, they have been able to strong system that helps them navigate the difficulty of parenthood and life in a new country. Marc's family has fully embraced Maria as one of their own, celebrating traditions, celebrating new milestones, and creating a connection she has missed after leaving Mexico.
Yearly, her family takes two weeks during the winter to visit Maria's parents, allowing for a tradition that connects to their roots. During the visits, Maria emphasizes exposing her daughters to the customs and culture that she grew up with. These experiences provide her daughters a sense of pride for the heritage they are apart of. Through celebrations of cultural events, traditional meals, or spending time with family, these annual trip bridge the gap between generations ensuring Maria's culture continues to thrive in their family.
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