Jose Gonzalez

Be careful. Think wise. It is important to help each other and support those who are weak. It is most important to help each other and not to be afraid. God First, Family Second, Work Third.

Jose Gonzalez

My name is Jose Gonzalez. I am from Yautepec, Morelos, Mexico. I was raised by both of my parents until the age of 7seven. My parents separated at that time. My father was a factory worker and police chief of the town. My mother was a housewife. I have 4 brothers. After my mom remarried, she had 3 more children. So I have seven brothers.

My childhood was normal though different than today. I grew up in a family with beliefs. These beliefs were passed down from my grandparents to my parents to me. I grew up with Christian teachings. Because my parents were apart, I was home alone. I had to find my own food. I went hungry. It was difficult to see students have lunches from home and dinner on the table, when I didn’t have any. I learned to cook when I was seven.

At the age of 16 I left my family home and moved to Mexico City. My hometown was two hours away. I finished my school there. I lived with my aunt. I had to work and go to school at the same time. For work, my brother taught me sales. I worked as a salesperson to make money. I learned that if you work hard, you will be rewarded and achieve.

It doesn’t matter the size, color, or appearance of the person. You need to be motivated and motivate other people. I also learned about opportunity. When I see an opportunity that is good for my family, I say yes. There were hard times and I had to eat so I worked very hard.

I came to the United States in 1985. I had to cross the border by hiring someone to take me across. I had to pay about $900 to be taken across the border. My uncles paid for my way but I had to pay them back. I had to cross in a truck. It was very difficult. We had to hide. We had to make sure the border patrol wouldn’t see us. We were risking our life. Compared to what other people have suffered during their escape, I was lucky.

I crossed the border in the night through Tijuana to San Diego. From San Diego I went to Los Angeles where I flew to New York. I lived in New Jersey, which is where I met my wife. We married and had 3 children, Stephanie, Yadira and Giovanni. I have one grandson, Jael.

I became a United States citizen about twelve years ago. It was a dream I wanted. I wanted to be a United States citizen because I have a family here. I wasn’t planning to go back to Mexico to live.

After living in New Jersey, my family moved to Minnesota to find work. I also have other family here in Minnesota. I have had many jobs. I consider myself a Jack-of-all-Trades.