Rosio Herrera grew up in the shadows of active volcanoes in picturesque but poor areas of central Mexico. She and her husband worked hard – she sold beauty products, cared for the elderly, her husband was a carpenter, but they struggled to achieve their goals. In 2004, they crossed the border wall to the United States in search of a better life.
“We dreamed of having a home, it’s where we have our own place, our kitchen and our bedroom,” Herrera says.
Building a life in Baltimore was tough. Herrera previously enjoyed being her boss, but in America she had to make a retreat change in laundry and factories. “I work from 7am to 6pm, and I have only a 30-minute break for lunch, ironing 450 shirts every day,” she recalls. “I’m going home and saying, ‘I can’t go back!” ”
Things became even more difficult when Herrera’s husband, the carpenter, was injured and unable to do the job. However, the couple stuck, and Herrera worked night shifts in a variety of different jobs, supporting a family, including two young US-born daughters, while her husband went through surgery and rehabilitation.
Finding support was not always easy, especially early on. While many organizations in Baltimore County offer language classes and help newcomers access government services, Herrera wants to see more targeted support for Spanish speakers, especially those who are not documented and nervous about their use of public services. “I was lucky. I had a neighbor who helped me with something I didn’t understand,” she says. “But it’s not easy unless you speak good English.”
Over time, however, Herrera was able to volunteer in church and neighbourhood groups, work on her English skills and take computer classes. “I was always looking for ways to grow,” she explains. With her daughters at school, Herrera began to think about starting a business. “I’ve been working on other people’s schedules for years,” she explains. “I wanted to do my thing.”
Today, Herrera operates cleaning services for local homes and offices. Her daughter and husband are pitching, and Herrera employs two full-time and also offers training programs for local teenagers. “It’s important to see what it’s like for young people to work,” she explains. “They encourage them to study hard.”
After renting a boring apartment for many years, Herrera was recently able to buy her own home. “It was a difficult journey, but we are very grateful and fortunate,” she says. “We achieved our dreams and gave our daughters the opportunity to study and build a career in America.”
