Harvesting my Dreams

Israel Rodriguez, 15
Manson, Washington

Humility, hard work and perseverance are family values that most define who I am today. My humble background has opened my eyes to the reality of those who do not have the resources to voice concerns or needs, and are overwhelmed by dark circumstances. In my future, I visualize myself being a voice and a source of hope. To accomplish my dream, I aspire to pursue a career in law school. Being a court
representative will allow me to fight against injustices specifically those that affect migrant and seasonal farm-workers. I can identify and I am sensitive to the struggles that migrant families overcome. In addition to having a personal understanding of the migrant and seasonal farm-worker community, I hope to one day
gain the legal knowledge to advocate and represent those who have shaped my life today. With great difficulty, yet some enthusiasm, I wake up before the sunrise. I look forward to the challenge of conquering another 8-10 hour day of heated conditions, endless rapid precise picking, and heavy lifting in the cherry orchards. I see the faces of those who after an exhausting day of work, leave with
the satisfaction of knowing that they will be able to provide for their families. Understanding their dedication and ability to surpass some of the most difficult circumstances, has taught me that even what may seem an unreachable dream to some like becoming a lawyer, is by all means possible. Finishing an orchard season
takes a lot of persistence and devotion. Filling the last bucket of cherries after almost convincing myself that I can no longer continue, is what makes me stronger and more empowered to reach my potential. My inspiration derives from my dad. He is a man who one day migrated from my country of origin, Mexico, with the hope that my sisters and I would have a fruitful future. “What was easy I accomplished yesterday, what is difficult I am already doing, and what is impossible I will conquer tomorrow,” are his words that often echo in my mind. His words teach me that I can own my past, and current accomplishments, and that my “tomorrow” is filled with possibilities. My dad is a visionary optimistic man who never hesitates to lend a hand. His compassionate nature has given life to my desire to reach out to
others. What is most inspiring about my dad is his example of living a fulfilling life by enjoying life’s simple pleasures and serving others. The lack of financial support may present as a potential obstacle in what I aspire to become.Envisioning myself in a university and pursuing a law career, could be intimidating. Having confidence in myself even when my experiences do not fit with “typical” university students, will be another challenge I will face. The support from my family is unconditional and will be a key piece in my ability to accomplish my
dreams. I hope to gain insight from mentors and from those who also had various limitations and did not give up on their dream. The teachings I have gained from my experiences in agriculture will be valuable in my life journey. If in the process of accomplishing my dreams, my circumstances become difficult, I will remember the
sweaty faces under the orchard trees that look up with optimism and keep going. I will remember the heavy cherry buckets I lifted when I felt weak, and I will keep going. I will remember the feet that carried me from one tree to the next and did not let me give up, and I will keep going. Lastly, I will remember the restful
night after a long working day, where I laid in bed and fell asleep to the beat of my heart that whispered “you did it.”