Mexicanos in Oregon: Their Stories, Their Lives

Testimonio by Lucio

131 THEIR STORIES, THEIR LIVES Testimonio by Lucio Lucio was interviewed by San Juana Acosta in Hood River, Oregon, in 2003. Excerpts were taken from that interview and transcribed, translated, and arranged by the authors to form a testimony that sheds light on the life of an educated immigrant who is forced to take a position for which he would be overqualified in his native country—yet he finds reasons to be thankful. At the age of 16, I went to Mexico City to study. I took a vocational education program then I went to medical school where I graduated as an obstetrician and surgeon. I worked for the ISTE and for the Social Security Department of Health. Finally, I was given an opportunity to open my own practice under the auspices of Social Security. The truth is, I had a very good job. I never intended to come here to stay. I had traveled here to visit, and I liked it because everything is so well organized. It is beautiful and all, but I did not think of coming to work here. In 1998, by sheer luck, a young woman whom I had known when I was 15 presented herself in my office. Shortly after, I began to organize my affairs and a year later joined Felicitas, the love of my life since childhood, here in Oregon. I came legally. When I first got here I began doing pruning work in an orchard alongside Felicitas. I had no idea what this work was. But I thank God that I never had to struggle. Since I arrived here, I arrived like a little angel. Shortly after, my daughter was born, and I have never had any difficulties. The job I now have was practically given to me. I asked at a local store if they needed a cashier, and they said yes. An American gentleman who managed the store gave me the application and an appointment for an interview. He gave me the job and now I am the manager of the store. I’m not crazy about the job, but one has to work, right? And in comparison to the skills I have, I am not very happy. But in comparison to other jobs I could be doing, I am happy. I don’t get benefits. The company is small and my salary—given my administrative responsibilities—is quite low. My English is adequate. I understand most things, but it is difficult for me to speak the language. If I spoke better English, I would have a better job. I am now thinking of changing jobs. You ask me which country I identify with. My answer is Mexico. The country that sheltered me, trained me, educated me—I always had a 132 Mexicanos in Oregon Testimonio: Lucio government scholarship. I am also loyal to the country that is currently sheltering me. I have experienced a tremendous change in my life. I suspended my profession. Here things are more difficult. I need to speak the language well in order to develop. I need to go to the university and take courses I never took over there. I feel as if I have sacrificed a lot. But I have never cursed my lot because I have what is most important to me, and that is my daughter and the mother of my daughter. What do I expect from the future? I see a lovely future because I live with the woman I love and who understands me. And as for my children, I see a lovely future, because we will have given them everything that is positive, and they will not have ill feelings about us, because during the time they were growing we will have shared with them and we will have given them only those things that are positive. ...