The Distance Between us
Jennifer Voisin
Mrs. Johnston
English Composition (sec2)
26 March 2014
The Distance Between Us: A Memoir by Reyna Grande The term “The American Dream” is very broad with many meanings and certainly broader than any single statistic can measure; however we all our own definition of that. Some would say it is building their dream house, going to college, being wealthy, or just having a family. While Reyna Grande’s memoir, The Distance Between Us it became clear that term defines most people no matter where you were legally born, how much money you have, or the family you were blessed with. We all go through many struggles throughout our lifetime and Reyna was no different, even after her family’s incomprehensible trials and tribulations; although weighed heavy on her mind, she never let that stop her from letting go of her aspirations and dreams. She had three people in her life that influenced and motivated her, her father, Mago, and Diana. Alike Reyna, I also had three people that inspired me to never give up my dream. My Father, my Aunt Mirta and my husband Scott. Reyna’s father was a very hard working man, and wanted the best for his children. He might have showed his love for his them in very strange ways; however he always made it very clear that education was the key to their success. “I brought you to this country to get an education and to take advantage of all the opportunities this country has to offer” (Grande 166). She knew her father was very serious, and wanted to make him proud. Education became her life and I think this is one of the reasons she never gave up, even when times got tough she thought about the other Father- not the violent, alcoholic one, but the who left to the U.S because he wanted to her give something better(321). Her sister Mago was her rock; her little Mother you could say. She raised Reyna in her parent’s absence; in fact if it wasn’t for Mago, she might not have even be in this country. “I won’t go with you if you
Mrs. Johnston
English Composition (sec2)
26 March 2014
The Distance Between Us: A Memoir by Reyna Grande The term “The American Dream” is very broad with many meanings and certainly broader than any single statistic can measure; however we all our own definition of that. Some would say it is building their dream house, going to college, being wealthy, or just having a family. While Reyna Grande’s memoir, The Distance Between Us it became clear that term defines most people no matter where you were legally born, how much money you have, or the family you were blessed with. We all go through many struggles throughout our lifetime and Reyna was no different, even after her family’s incomprehensible trials and tribulations; although weighed heavy on her mind, she never let that stop her from letting go of her aspirations and dreams. She had three people in her life that influenced and motivated her, her father, Mago, and Diana. Alike Reyna, I also had three people that inspired me to never give up my dream. My Father, my Aunt Mirta and my husband Scott. Reyna’s father was a very hard working man, and wanted the best for his children. He might have showed his love for his them in very strange ways; however he always made it very clear that education was the key to their success. “I brought you to this country to get an education and to take advantage of all the opportunities this country has to offer” (Grande 166). She knew her father was very serious, and wanted to make him proud. Education became her life and I think this is one of the reasons she never gave up, even when times got tough she thought about the other Father- not the violent, alcoholic one, but the who left to the U.S because he wanted to her give something better(321). Her sister Mago was her rock; her little Mother you could say. She raised Reyna in her parent’s absence; in fact if it wasn’t for Mago, she might not have even be in this country. “I won’t go with you if you