Rosario de la Torre

The same I give my children. Keep working hard. It’s difficult times and we all experience a lot of barriers. I think the fact that you always keep in mind you know more the people think you know. I also think it’s to really use the resources you have available. You have your families your communities and look out for people that will influence your life. I don’t limit children to school environment. Look for community members. Don’t say I can’t. Say “ Si se puede!” (Yes I can). It’s not easy but always a possibility to do it. One way or another.

Rosario de la Torre

My name is Rosario De La Torre. I was born in Mexico City on July 2nd, 1966. I’m married and have two children. There names are Natalia, 13, and Rogelia, 11. I have lived in Minnesota for 21 to 22 years.

My father was here prior to all of us. He started coming to the United States when I was 18 or 19 years old. He was doing Bracero work, which is working in the field. He would cross the border and it was very difficult. He was so determined to do it. He always used the experience to tell us how to be a good friend and supportive.

I was 18 years old when I finished my high school in Mexico. I went for one year to the University of Mexico. I was full of dreams and wanted to come to the United States. I came to the United States in 1986. I lived in Illinois. I worked in the fields for about a year. I worked mornings from 6am to 5pm with plants and flowers. I went to school in the afternoon to learn English. It was hard to work in the fields and go to school. I wanted to be in my home country and my own environment. So I moved back and I attended the University again for six months. Then went to live in Texas. One thing important is my mom’s family. Our house was always open to people. People who were moving into town would stay in our house until they found a place.

I enrolled in the University of Texas-Pan American. I attended ESL classes for six months. Every year my mom came to Minnesota as a migrant worker, mainly Wilmar and Fargo areas. So, I decided to come with my mom’s family and work in the field. I came to Minnesota in 1989 and worked two summers in the fields. During my first summer I thought what else am I going to do.

I started a process of enrollment in community college. I got accepted. They wanted me to stay in Wilmar. Coming from Mexico City—it is a huge city—to living in a rural community was very difficult for me. So, working with my advisor I decided to try St. Paul technical College. I came by myself and with my older brother. We came with a lot of dreams, one car and two suitcases. So I attended St.Paul Technical College. I worked as a janitor. I worked in a hotel. I worked for a Latino organization for childcare for the Latino community, I felt very isolated.

I graduated and had a small career as a computer operator. The same year my brother and sister began school here. I was determined to help my brother and sisters. I stayed and never went back.

During this time I met this man, a wonderful person. His name is Rogelio. I married him in 1994. He was an Army soldier. And when he was deployed to Afghanistan in 2003. We found out right before Christmas. I was scared. I was sad. Mainly I was really sad my children would be without a father. My daughter was eight and always looked out the window and connected a star with her father. My main concern was he is a committed person and father.

My dreams as a child can compare to my reality. I really wanted to live to help and support others. Now I’m the director for Casa de Esperanza. I do a lot of work around the lives of Latinos in Minnesota.