Would you risk your life crossing the US border in an attempt to better your family's life? My mother did and was arrested 3 times by immigration before she could successfully cross. This time, in her early 20s, she was pregnant with my younger brother fleeing an abusive relationship from the father of my brother. My mom would tell me her story of how she paid the "Coyote," in other words the smuggler, a thousand dollars to help her cross the US border. Her journey was beyond terrifying, not knowing if she could trust a random stranger with her and her baby. Given this was her fourth attempt, she persevered in terrible conditions; had to walk several miles in the desert heat to then be stuffed in the trunk of a small car overnight, along with 5 other people trying to cross. The Coyote then left for hours, leaving them alone with no food or water until it was time to finally cross. Weeping and praying for a safe journey, they managed to reach the city of Long Beach, CA where she met with my aunt and started her new life here in the United States. I would cross over to the US at the young age of 3. Living in a small studio apartment, my mother taught me the basic living skills; cooking, cleaning, proper hygiene and taking care of my newborn brother. It was my time to step up as the father figure in the house. It was difficult at first, not being able to understand the necessity of growing up at that age. My mom would work day and night, from waitressing to cleaning houses, she taught me the value of working hard and fighting for what you want in life. I truly admire her for that. Staying home alone for hours with my baby brother was terrifying for me. Not seeing my mother until she finally came home in the late hours of the night. Of course, she befriended the neighbors and entrusted them to check in on us. I remember having to go to her waitressing job because she could not afford a babysitter. Luckily, her job was more than understanding of her situation and even let me observe the ways of serving customers. I remember practicing my greeting in the back by the kitchen or using a tray with empty cups to "bring customers" their anticipated drinks. She taught me the value of patience, hard work and communication. I graduated high school at 17 with the dream of attending college, but because of my immigration status, college for immigrants is expensive so I started working from construction jobs to waitressing like my mom, to save up for my career. She taught me that working hard and reaching your goals is possible. Life will always come with perseverance, struggle and rewards, but it is up to you to determine how you spend that time building for what you want out of life. A part of me resented my mom for having me go through what I went through, but now that I am older, I understand the meaning of the struggle she righteously overcame. Growing up at such a young age, was not easy, as I fear I missed my childhood. From being a father figure to my younger brother to starting work at 14, this has opened my mind to the possibility of fighting for your dreams. This was all thanks to my mom for crossing the US border, even after several attempts, she never gave up.