Running Towards Dreams: Ana's Story

The desert night was cold and harsh, a stark contrast to the warmth Ana had known in her home in Guatemala. At just 14 years old, she was on a difficult journey to the United States. With only a small backpack and a treasured pair of earrings from her mother, Ana faced dangers and challenges she hadn’t anticipated. Yet, her determination never wavered.

Ana’s life in Guatemala was marked by both hardship and hope. From a young age, she lived with her grandmother in a small village in Quiché. The village was impoverished, and Ana’s early years were defined by simplicity and struggle. Her grandmother worked as a midwife, a job that required her to labor tirelessly, often juggling tasks like gathering firewood to keep their modest home warm. “We had to have a fire on the ground because we didn’t have a stove.”

When Ana’s grandmother passed away, Ana moved in with her mother, who ran a small shop. The transition was difficult, but Ana quickly adapted. She became a crucial part of the shop, managing customers while her mother handled chores at home. Despite these responsibilities, Ana excelled in her studies. She held onto a dream of working in healthcare, inspired by a desire to help others. “It’s one of the areas that has really interested me. Helping others, taking care of others,” she says.

She did not take the decision to leave Guatemala lightly. The departure was filled with mixed emotions. Despite her youth, Ana felt a sense of maturity and readiness for the challenges ahead.

The journey to the U.S. was long and arduous, spanning ten days. Ana traveled with strangers, many of whom were also fleeing difficult circumstances. As she crossed the desert, the harsh conditions took a toll on her. She recalls the fear and uncertainty of moving through unfamiliar territories. When the group reached the Rio Grande, the crossing was fraught with danger. Ana fell to the shore, struggling to find something to hold onto in the dark, swirling waters. “It was scary. I couldn’t see what to hold on to,” she remembers. A stranger helped her out of the water, a small act of kindness amid the chaos.

The journey was not without its moments of fear and doubt. Ana’s stepfather, deeply concerned for her safety, urged her to return to Guatemala. “I’m sorry, daddy, but I want to leave,” Ana told him. “I love my country and I’m going to miss it, but I am already here. This is just the beginning.” Despite his protests, Ana remained resolute, driven by her vision of a better life.

Throughout the journey, Ana faced numerous hardships. She was robbed along the way, losing most of her belongings but managing to hide a pair of precious earrings from her mother. Her fear was palpable, but the robbers did not discover her hidden treasure. “I was scared, but I was relieved and happy that I successfully protected them,” she says.

When Ana arrived in the United States, she was placed in a shelter. The transition was challenging as she adjusted to a new culture and environment. “They showed us what the culture was like here,” Ana explains. “How everything was going to be after we left, how the school was going to be and everything.” Despite the difficulties, seeing the American flag was a moment of joy and a symbol of her new beginning.

Once in the United States, Ana was placed in a shelter where she began to understand the new culture and environment. The excitement of being in the U.S. was tempered by the challenges of adjusting to a new life. Ana was introduced to KIND, an organization that provided crucial support and guidance. “They were like protectors for me,” Ana says, recalling how her KIND attorney and social worker helped her navigate the complexities of her new life, including applying for a T visa and seeking educational opportunities.

Ana’s love for running became a significant part of her life in the United States. She joined her school’s cross-country team, finding solace and joy in the sport. Running was more than just an activity for Ana; it was a means of healing and a way to manage the stress of her experiences. She quickly excelled, even making it onto the varsity team in her first year. Ana speaks fondly of her teammates and coaches, who not only supported her athletic pursuits but also helped her improve her English, further easing her integration into American life. Her personal best is an impressive eight and a half miles in just over an hour, a testament to her dedication and resilience. Ana dreams of one day running a marathon, a goal that symbolizes her unyielding spirit and determination.

Ana’s current goals reflect her enduring spirit and commitment to her dreams. She excels academically and participates in the “Hope” club, which supports Hispanic students and encourages them to pursue their aspirations. Ana’s long-term goal is to work in healthcare, possibly as a physical therapist, and she dreams of having her own apartment, decorated just the way she likes, with the possibility of adopting a cat or dog.

Ana’s story is a powerful testament to her strength and perseverance. She continues to honor her mother by striving for success and dreams of building her a home. Her message to other young people facing similar challenges is clear: “Have faith, trust that things will get better, and never give up. There are always people willing to help, so reach out and ask for support.”

From the desperate night crossing the Rio Grande to her achievements and dreams in the United States, Ana’s journey embodies the strength and hope that define her. Her story is not just about overcoming obstacles but about turning those challenges into opportunities for a brighter future.

*Name changed to protect identity