Hispanic contribution
The story of new Argus columnist
By Giovanna Andrews
Special to the Argus Observer
Friday, August 8, 2008 2:26 PM PDT
Full of dreams and empty pockets as any other immigrant, I arrived the United States in 1992. I was pregnant with my second child. My little 5-year-old boy, husband and I got to California to where some relatives of mine lived. When you are young, everything seems to be so easy. Risks you don’t see, but challenges get your adrenaline running.
I’ve overcome many challenges since then and learned a few lessons along the way.
My entry into the U.S. is sort of an introduction to a monthly column I’ve been asked to write for the Argus Observer.
Argus Observer editor Pat Caldwell has distinguished me with the honor of putting together this piece every month.
Our hope for this column is to provide a forum to illustrate the Latino impact from different angles and furnish a larger perspective of our contribution in today’s society.
One aim I have for this column is to always emphasize the first rock of society is, and always will be, family — which prompts me to say thank you to those who believed in me.
I also must stop and thank those who have doubted my goals in life because they are important as well. Both the positive and negative sentiments provided fuel I needed to keep reaching to be the best.
I consider myself a successful woman because I know the meaning of life, which I can define in a two-syllable word: giving. I’m a 37-year-old woman that works for her family, believes that life is an everyday inner challenge to keep innocence in the heart and enjoys reading everyday.
Making a difference is a key aspect to finding fulfillment. Making a difference can mean helping a student or assisting a family member or stepping up and becoming involved in the community.
When I worked for the administrative office at Ontario School District, I had a lot of contact with migrant families and area agriculture workers. I helped them with many tasks, and I learned it was wonderful to feel the gratitude from them. But it was even more rewarding for me to be of assistance to those families.
It is the same kind of pleasure one can gain from watching a child who does something good and receives respect and appreciation. It’s really all about opportunity, and that sums up how I feel about this nation and this valley.
All of this brings me to a simple truth I’ve learned as a legal immigrant to this nation: Life is simple, just find what makes you smile. And please remember to be authentic, be yourself. It works. Thank you Treasure Valley for what I have received from you.
Giovanna Andrews is a Treasure Valley resident and Hispanic activist. Comments or questions can be directed to: Giovanna Andrews, Argus Observer Newsroom; 1160 S.W. Fourth St., Ontario, OR 97914
