After spending 21 years in the United States, Patricia Topete Vazquez has made the profound decision to return to her homeland, guided by a dream to forge a new life in Mexico.
With only a suitcase and a carry-on bag filled with sentimental items and essentials, Patricia prepares for a transition that will take her back to where her journey began.
Patricia, who originally hails from a small town in Tamaulipas, Mexico, came to the U.S. at the tender age of 12. Fear drove her mother to send her away to live with relatives in Fresno after learning that Patricia had been molested by an uncle.
Reflecting on her past, Patricia shared, “I was experiencing sexual abuse as a child that was happening from a family member, and that was happening in my home, and I didn’t see a different way of staying in my home in Mexico and feeling safe.”
This journey was not only a quest for safety but also filled with guilt for leaving behind her siblings. Nevertheless, Patricia channeled her experiences into her academics, becoming a model of resilience and determination in her high school years.
Kristen Norton, a high school teacher who recognized Patricia’s potential, recalled, “She came to me and said, ‘I want to take your English class because you are the hardest teacher. Sign me up.’ That’s the kind of student she was. She was always looking to find the edges and boundaries of herself.”
Patricia graduated as valedictorian from McClane High School, despite the challenges posed by her undocumented status.
“Throughout my life growing up, I was reminded that I was undocumented and individuals like me did not go to college,” she reflected. This harsh reality fueled her determination to create a plan for her future.
The journey to higher education was not easily accessible for Patricia, as financial constraints loomed large. Undeterred, she applied for over 40 private scholarships, ultimately securing a full ride to Fresno Pacific University.
To support herself during her studies, she took on various jobs, from cleaning houses to working in the fields picking strawberries.
Patricia found support from the community around her, particularly from farmworker women in Salinas, who helped her by providing food and financial assistance to help cover her school expenses.
After completing her college education, Patricia found some relief from the constant uncertainty of her status when she was granted a work permit under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
DACA provides protections for eligible undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children but does not offer a pathway to permanent residency.
Despite the limitations of DACA, Patricia achieved significant milestones in her life. She garnered recognition for her professional accomplishments and was appointed to statewide leadership positions by governors Jerry Brown and Gavin Newsom.
At the time she decided to leave the U.S., Patricia held the role of regional vice president of community relations at Citibank, where she dedicated her efforts to teaching financial literacy in rural communities.
In preparing for her departure, Patricia spent her final days saying goodbye to friends and selling off belongings that once filled her comfortable home.
When asked about her feelings on seeing the U.S. fade from sight as she departed, Patricia described the mix of emotions she anticipated experiencing.
“I think it’s going to be both beautiful and painful, and I’m ready for both,” she said, highlighting the complexity of her journey.
Just a few days prior to her departure from Fresno, she reunited with her mother, meeting her for the first time after a 20-year separation.
In a few weeks, she will be attending her younger sister’s graduation, an event she had longed to witness in person.
By the end of summer, Patricia is set to embark on a new chapter in Spain, where she has been accepted into a master’s program for international business and global management at the University of Madrid.
Patricia Topete Vazquez’s story is not just one of leaving the U.S.; it embodies a journey of resilience, determination, and emerging opportunities. As she moves forward, she carries with her the lessons of her past while embracing the promise of a bright future.
image source from：https://abc30.com/post/dream-is-another-country-woman-willingly-leaves-united-states-20-years-fresno/16578639/
