My Graduation

by Maria Morales

"I started writing my book the first day that I started taking classes at College of the Canyons. I didn't write the book in printing, I wrote in my heart. The title of my book is My Graduation, because I finished the day I graduated. I took my first class in the spring semester of 1989, my final class in the spring semester of 2005. My book talks about my struggles to get an education while raising a family, as well as the nostalgia for my old country and my love for my new country. In my book, I invite people to read and write. I also want to send a message of love and hope for a better life. How I wish that every immigrant learns English as soon as they come to this country. How I wish that every woman would achieve a college education. Yes, it is hard, but not impossible. The young woman that came to this country, with a big desire of an education, finally did it."