Personal Narrative: Castellanos

“When I was ten years old, my brother Miguel came back from the U.S. to visit us. When he was ready to leave, he told my mom, ‘Hey, are you going to let Kiko (which was my nickname) come to the U.S., so he can go to school and have an opportunity?’ and my mom turned to me and said, ‘Do you want to go with him?’ Then I looked at her and replied, ‘Do you want me to go?’ and she nodded in approval, so I went into the house, got a backpack, and put three pants, three shirts, and a few other things in there because I didn’t have many belongings. I then went back outside, jumped into the car, and left my mom. I didn’t see my mom again until I was a senior in high school, and a lot took place during those years” (Castellanos). Francisco Castellanos
Living only with his older brother Miguel, he seemed like the typical straight-A student. He participated in band, the debate team, spelling bees, sports, and theatrical plays; he received many academic awards, and he was the Valedictorian of his class. However, growing up without parents made him the subject of curiousity among his friends. “They would always ask me, ‘Hey, where are your parents at? Why are you not living with them?’ It would always be difficult telling them how my mom stayed in Mexico to care for my family and how my father lost his job in the U.S. and was forced to move back to Mexico. I just thought it was normal up until that point in time” (Castellanos). Despite not having parents around, Francisco still did well in school. He used these extra-curricular activities to occupy his time and stay off the streets. “I found my escape through academics and school activities,” he said. “It was great, but at the same time, it was tough because no one was there to watch me win all those awards. At these events, I was taking pictures with my friends and their families, instead of my own” (Castellanos). It would seem he would have promising future after