A “Tapatia” in Castro Valley

Moving from my home country was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever done. I remember my last day in Mexico (July 31, 2016) as if it were yesterday. It felt like a normal day until 3 p.m., when it was time to go to the airport. My boyfriend and best friends were already there, waiting to say goodbye to me and my family. I never liked crying in front of people, but on that day, it was inevitable.

“No matter where you are, Mexico will always be your home,” said my best friend Sofia Salcedo. Leaving people I’ve known my whole life was not easy. It is scary going into the unknown, hoping for the best.

People wonder why my family and I decided to make such a big change in our lives. The answer is really easy: to grow as a family and as individuals. California has always been our second home, the place where my dad was born and raised. Even though living here is new for us, we were already familiar with Castro Valley, and how things work around here. I’ve always wanted to come here to pursue my career, therefore I’m more than grateful to my parents, who gave me the opportunity to do so.

“Go and reach your dreams and goals Pau, and once you do, I’ll be here waiting for you,” my friend Arvin Tapia said before I boarded the plane.

It has been a tough change. Having my whole family with me has been a great support, but we’re all still adapting to this new lifestyle.

From the busy and loud streets of Guadalajara, to the calm and quiet ones of Castro Valley.

From parties and friends 24/7, to homework and training.

From the tranquility of knowing everything that surrounds you, to the excitement and fear of not knowing anything at all.

I have been in the states for two months now, and I’m grateful to the people who have supported me and helped me with this change. I’ve met incredible people in this short period of time. School, my teachers, and my classmates have all been great. I have nothing bad to say about Castro Valley. It is very different from what I’m used to, but I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Now, I’m completely focused on my goals and trying to be the best version of myself, so that I can make myself and the people I love proud. This is the only way I can make this change worth it.

As a really important person once told me, “Great things never came from comfort zones.”