When my dad was a child, his perspective of the American Dream included a stable job, so that he could buy whatever he wants. Over time, his vision evolved. His priorities shifted from education to family. Although he initially enrolled in college to become a Machinist and received his degree, the arrival of his son paused his ambitions. He then dedicated his time to working and focus on his son.Growing up, His goals were to make money and assist his parents considering they owned a store and farm. His goals have altered, somewhat, by reason he now has a family to support. As a child, he attended grade-school full-time. Education wise, he had a degree as a machinist. A few of his college memories were to attend parties “ I used to go to parties to meet new girls…” he said. Eventually, he could not pursue his studies further due to the arrival of his son.

His parents both had different roles than the role people have now-a-days. His father worked and his mother stayed home and took care of the children. “Education wise my father and mother and basic education. They stopped going to school in fifth grade.” He said. I believe this had an impact on him do with the fact that he received his college degree to show his parents that all their hard work paid off. This in my opinion is the reason why he pushes all of his kids today to strive for a higher education.

While growing up, my father wanted to fit in and show his parents that since he's the oldest he needed to show his independence. Remarkably he taught himself how to drive. “I was about 13 or 14 when I taught myself how to drive,” he said. “ The first vehicle I drove was a tractor.” He had a bad experience while driving a tractor. “I ran over my friend,” he continued, “When I was younger in order for me to go out I needed to do some things. I needed to feed the cows. I only had a tractor so while I was driving to carry the hay to the cows my friends were playing some soccer while they waited for me. One of my friends got too close to the tractor ,since it had no protectors, I didn’t see him. All I saw was something fly over the right wheel, since there were these small canals, all the weight of the tractor was on the left side. I kept going to move the tractor to see what had happened. When I turned around I saw my friend laughing and grabbing his ass.”

Since my dad emigrated from Mexico he had wanted to witness this place he had heard of, America. While arriving to the U.S. my dad had 4 attempts crossing the border. The first attempt was easier for him. He didn’t have much trouble crossing he just crossed. He was about 19 years old. The second time crossing the Coyote (a man who sneaks immigrants across the border) tried to cross him however he was stopped at a checkpoint. The third time he crossed through the San Ysidro Border. About 3 years later he was caught in Simi Valley. His age varied around 22 or 23 years of age. Eventually, he finally received papers.

While interviewing my dad, I realize that he enjoyed what he did and was proud of the types of choices he made. Even though his plans had flaws and obstacles. He eventually was able to live out and still lives out his American dream today. If he hadn't chose to come to the United States no one would of been able to hear the story of how my fathers’ American dream altered his life and had shifted his view on the way of living. For example; men as equal as woman. The woman doesn't need to stay home and take care of the children. It also affected my life ,as a result, I have the chance of hearing the struggles and how he overcame them to be blissful. It shows me that you should always remember the worst and greatest times to remember that you could see how far you've come. How far have you come?