Below you will find narratives about people coming to California from Central and South America.  We hope you enjoy these narratives.  As you read them, please consider how these narratives subvert anti-immigrant narratives that are widespread in our society today. 

​

This interview of Mirna was conducted by Josselin and Kysharra, 9th graders at Oakland Tech. The interview was conducted over the phone at Oakland Tech. Mirna was born and raised in El Salvador working in a chicken plantation, as the secretary. As she grew up she made new friendships and even fell in love with the guy who has helped her be the person she is today. Then at the age of 28 she left her beloved country, and came to America.  She has been stereotyped as an illegal immigrant many times when she is actually legal.

​

This interview of Andrea Gonzalez was conducted on September 19th by Andrea Lopez and Elijah Cotapos, 9th graders at Oakland Tech. Andrea Gonzalez is Andrea Lopez’s mother. The interview took place in Oakland California. Andrea Gonzalez was born in Mexico, and moved to California in 1997. She came because she wanted a better life style in the future. Her story subverts the stereotypes since she benefit the U.S.

​

This interview of Abigail was conducted on September 21, 2016 by Hanson L. and Ashton T., 9th graders at Oakland Tech. Abigail is also a student at Oakland Tech.This interview took place by the girls gym. Abigail was born in 2002, and moved to California in 2006 because her family saw the better chances here then in El Salvador.This subverts immigrant stereotypes because she got to achieve what she wanted by learning English and her parents came to work for money to sustain her family.

​

This interview of Erol Guevara was conducted on 9/6/16 by Benjamin Nicholas and De’sonn Shipp. Erol is De’sonn’s Grandpa. He was born on May 27th, 1958 in Trinidad and Tobago. He immigrated to the United States in 1977 for better opportunities for education. This interview took place over the phone.

​

This interview of Marlene was conducted on September 22, 2016 by Yulianna, 9th grader at Oakland Tech.The interview took place at her home. Marlene is a mother. Marlene was born in Mexico and immigrated to California in 2000. She came to California for a better life and a job. Once she came to California she worked and wanted to have a better future for her kids. Her goal was to have a better life than before.

​