A letter from December 7th, 2019

Dear Rebeca, As I sit here, looking at my composition book full of notes from these past eight- weeks, I wonder if you continue to be grateful for those that support you through this doctoral journey? More importantly, I want to know if you have stayed true to yourself, your story, and your life goals? Mike is in the other room folding up the clean laundry. He has been your rock and your number one supporter throughout your whole marriage. I want to ensure you keep making him happy. How often are you calling your mother? You know she worries and may still question your decision to live abroad, but it’s only because she misses you. I know you are sacrificing a lot, but your decision to challenge yourself professionally and personally by living and working away from home is the right choice. Do not continue to allow the “latina- narrative” to dictate any part of your life. You broke that mold the minute you left El Prado for UCI. You are creating your own future and should not feel ashamed or embarrassed of the success you have created for yourself. Don’t feel like you are leaving anyone behind, believe that you are forging a unique and bad *** future for yourself and Michael. Remember you are molded from God and he has created you to inspire and advocate fiercely for others (especially immigrants). Constantly remind yourself of that punk rock spirit that got you here to begin with! Speaking of punk…how punk are you? Have you stayed true to yourself? Don’t forget who you are. You are a single story made up of individual experiences from strong women that came before you. Women who are close to you, women who may be gone at this point, and women who you never met or even lived in the same decade too, lie within your spirit. These stories have kept you together and given you the strength to move forward. God forbid anyone truly important to you has left this earth, but if this is the case, remember you are living their experiences too. This is why it’s important to take it one day at a time and do what is best for you and your family! Make sure you live life to your full potential (which is huge because you are molded from Him). Continue to fight for Community, Integrity, and Social Justice. I know you will continue to shoot for the tippy top because that’s where you belong. I remain your most obedient servant, R.