Conversations About Leaving Home by Jonathan Valenzuela Mejia
Photograph by Ruth Chincanchan “Papá, me voy a mudar a la universidad.” For years, I wanted to say those words to my dad. I love my father and my family with all my heart, but attending a college on the other side of the state finally gave me the opportunity to move out on my own for the first time last year. I wanted to experience a new life, one different than I grew up with, and I finally made the decision to go forward and pursue the life I desired. Despite the COVID-19 outbreak postponing the date, my dad and I both knew that I would have to move out of our home eventually. Although it was hard for him to see another one of his children leave the nest, he knew it was best for my education. My father and I had fought hard for me to have an opportunity like being able to study at UCLA, and we would not
squander it just so I could stay home. When the time finally came, I knew a part of him struggled with the news. He had relied on me to help around the house and take care of my little sister. However, he supported me wholeheartedly and encouraged me to forge a life of my own. “No te preocupes, lo arreglo yo, tú ve y hazte una vida por ti mismo allá.” These words represented his blessing, but I knew they were more for my benefit than his. His approval meant the world, and I would not have been able to take the final step without it. The worst part is the guilt—the guilt that replaces the rush of excitement of achieving a goal, of taking a leap towards a future you have dreamed of.
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