Dora participated in family gatherings held in their home, where they played music; however, a central interest remained in the conversations about the past and the memories they shared.
"We would always have these big family gatherings, with the food and the music–an essential part of who we were."
During these family traditions, Dora learned what it meant to honor her family roots. These events instilled the essence of their culture and the values that became a part of her. Leaving her home country was not easy for Dora
"At first, I was scared and lonely, but I knew I had to do it for them," she said, referring to her children. "Leaving everything behind was tough, but I worked hard and learned English; I never gave up."
Moving to a new country means abandoning friendships and anything familiar. However, the strength of purpose to provide a better life for her family propelled Dora's success through the challenges she faced. Even though East Side San José was not what she was accustomed to, having lived in a rural area, she recognized how the place had welcomed her and had no regrets about the sudden change.
"What I love most about the Eastside is the sense of community, "she expressed. "It's where many people, like me, have come to start over. It feels like home, even though I'm far from my hometown."
Dora found East San José to be a place to cultivate new roots and return to the traditions that shaped her original ones. However, despite her new life, her heart remained where she had left behind.
"They always told me to never forget who I came from," she added. She knows she can always count on her family, no matter what, from challenges to victories: "La tierra no olvida a quien la cuida." A saying often repeated by the girls from Jalisco.
