Proud to be American, and proud of our heritage | Opinion

Michelle Moreno-Silva is director of communications in the office of General Treasurer James A. Diossa.

On July 20, Colombia celebrates 214 years of independence. The time also marks more than 30 years since my parents immigrated from Colombia to Rhode Island — and it was here they found a home away from home.

When my mother, Lastenia Silva, and father, Carlos Moreno, arrived in Rhode Island, it was a stark contrast from their hometown of Barranquilla. From a year-round tropical climate, they came to endure freezing winters. No longer did they have their community of friends and family next door, rather they were met with unfamiliar faces and strange dialects.

While the circumstances were different and difficult, they stayed dedicated to outcomes, and they never lost sight of the promise that a foreign land could provide, such as a good life for their future child.

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As they began to adopt the American way of life, they held onto the essence of their culture. My father proudly played Colombian music on his stereo during the weekends, moving to the rhythm of every salsa song that played. My mother grew even deeper in her faith, nurturing purpose and meaning in her immigrant journey.

My parents worked day and night. During the day, my dad traveled to his construction job in Massachusetts. In the evening, my mom went to work at a Wendy’s until close in the early hours of morning, and it was there she started to learn English.

While we didn’t have much there was nothing I lacked, especially an abundance of love.

A way they expressed their love for me was by placing emphasis on the power of education. No matter how difficult their workdays were, they still made the time to help me with my schoolwork. They took me to the library, a place that they found to be enriching for my learning.

The innocence of childhood allows for many things to appear ordinary, including playing an adult role as a kid. With my parents, I was putting everything I was learning to use. It was second nature for me to serve as their interpreter from the doctor’s office to a restaurant, or to come home from school and help my dad study for his citizenship test.

As I grew older, I began to observe the struggles in my household: uncertainty about immigration laws, accessibility to services they were eligible for, and, at times, discrimination.

With my parents’ guidance, I went to the College of the Holy Cross and studied political science, later completing my master’s degree at Georgetown University. I then set out to put what I studied to practice. Working on Capitol Hill for Senate Leader Chuck Schumer during a harsh presidency, I worked to develop solutions and results for immigrant families who became prey to falsehoods and anti-immigrant rhetoric.

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Being a first-generation American, I view every accomplishment as not solely mine but as also belonging to my parents. When I graduated from school, those diplomas have all of mom’s sacrifices attached to them. When I ascended the staff ladder of Capitol Hill, my dad’s perseverance was what helped guide me. I owe it all to my parents.

They instilled in me principles of honesty, hard work and dedication. While not explicit, they also taught me to be fearless. At times when I hesitate on a matter, I think of the bravery they exuded: coming to a new country with nothing guaranteed, and somehow making it work.

Today, my parents are proud Americans who continue to pursue an American Dream they set out in search of decades ago.

I am proud of what my parents have and continue to accomplish, and their teachings. They came to Rhode Island with nothing but gave me everything. Thank you, Lastenia and Carlos.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Proud to be American, and proud of our heritage | Opinion