Stories That Inspire
Yanela’s Story
My name is Yanela. I am Cuban, and in one week I will be turning 38 years old.
I am a single mother and an immigrant in this great country, the United States.
I have two young children, both with neurodivergent diagnoses, who depend entirely on me.
When I arrived, I had no help or support from anyone. I cleaned houses, took temporary jobs, and did whatever work I could find to provide for my children.
Two years ago, I started working for a construction company specializing in concrete. I began as a laborer, working under the hot sun, on cold and rainy days, and even spending time immersed in mud. I worked among rebar, cement, and debris.
I had no experience at all. My coworkers taught me everything, even how to hold a hammer. Honestly, I didn’t think I would last even one month in that job. But my children depended on me, and I needed to provide them with stability.
Two years have now passed, and I am still going strong. I was promoted to carpenter and received a small raise. Along the way, I learned to love the trade. This work allows me to put food on the table and provide a roof over my children’s heads. They deserve a dignified life.
This is only the beginning. I want to continue improving myself, gaining experience, and learning as much as I can. I don’t want to spend my whole life holding a shovel or a sledgehammer. I would love to learn how to read blueprints and gain more knowledge about construction.
The courses are somewhat expensive for me, but I know I will achieve my goals.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
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