MIGUEL ESTRADA
I know I was going to base my project on the immigrant community,
yet I wasn't able to reach to as many people in time before my surgery.
So, I took a minor step back and decided to talk about my family and our experience as an immigrant family.
So, let’s get started...
Evan
Evan is my little brother, and he is the first member of my family to be born in the United States. He is currently three years old. Evan is an essential part of my family. He is always joyful, even through hard times. At first we think that being born in another country automatically exempts you from embracing hispanic culture. And it might seem true because of the different environments you grow up in. Yet, through time we will start to understand that that is not true.
Evan demonstrates that through his language and his ability to light a room through the dark times.
MIguel
I decided to reuse this image that I took during class at Urbano. I really felt that this was a good self portrait and why not use it again! I am very attached to my childhood memories and mostly memories that I shared with my family.
Am I Home?
I took this image last week, when I was at the peak point of my recovery after getting my tonsils and adenoids removed. I also had another doctor’s appointment during that week so that I could get my jaw checked out. In no time, I had my verdict. “Double jaw surgery in five years” The doctor said. I started laughing for some reason, then I got kinda scared. I went home, and sat down. The same way I sat down when I was told I was rejected from the exam school, the same way I sat down after being benched for not being good enough for the team. And still, here I am. Despite having so many obstacles and doors shut in my way, I am able to do anything as long as I believe in myself.
Hugo Luis Miguel (My dad)
Translated*
“You can be part of many communities. If someone ever asks you who you are, don't be afraid to express your true self. Do yourself a favor and avoid lying about who you are.That is one of the many ways you can be an effective individual.”-My Dad
My Uncle Josue-aka “El Camaron”
Catching a beer with a fishing rod.
Fun Fact: He drank it afterwards.
This picture is an image taken back in 2016, when my cousins and uncles came to visit us for a whole month.
We did not see each other for 4 years.
Overall, my takeaway is that my home and my community isn’t always the environment I am in,
but it’s the people I share the environment with.
There will always be ups and downs, there will always be ups and downs (X2),
but your family will be there in the same rollercoaster.
Thank you🙂