How Our Choices Shape Our Future

It’s been twenty-eight years since I decided to buy a bus ticket to Matamoros, Mexico, and cross the border into the United States. My goal was to reach Minnesota, where my older sister and brother-in-law were living at the time. I vividly remember the evening I made the decision. As usual, I was hanging out with friends, sharing a few light beers and tossing around small business ideas. One friend was starting a business selling leather goods and belt buckles. Another was planning to join his brother’s jewelry business. Meanwhile, another friend and I, without much happening in our lives, talked about going to the United States. We dreamed of working there for a year or two, saving money, and then returning to Mexico to start businesses of our own.

Life at the time was tough for my family and me. My dad was an alcoholic who had lost his business and struggled to hold down a job. This had been the case for years, leaving my mom to take on odd jobs and sell cleaning supplies to neighbors just to keep us afloat. I wasn’t a strong student, and I was working minimum-wage jobs that barely covered basic expenses. Between my mom, one of my sisters, and me, we scraped together enough to cover simple meals, rent, and not much else. My three younger brothers were still in school, and one of them was about to start university. I knew he’d need money for books and other expenses.

While I initially framed my plan to go to the United States as a way to “save money and start a business,” the reality was that I wanted to support my family. I hoped to earn enough to help my mom stop selling cleaning supplies and to ease the burden on my younger brothers.

That same night, I called my sister in Minnesota and told her about my plan. She was understandably worried, but she offered to help however she could. Over the next few months, I saved what little I could from my meager salary. By December of 1995, I had enough to buy a bus ticket to the northern border and a small amount for food and other necessities. When I told my parents I was leaving, they weren’t thrilled. Still, I think my mother understood why I needed to go. With a heavy heart, she gave me her blessing.

Making the decision to leave my country and migrate to another for better pay was not easy. I never intended to stay in the United States permanently, but one decision led to another. Now, almost thirty years later, I’m proud to say that my family’s circumstances improved significantly. My brother graduated from university in Mexico, started a business helping students prepare for exams, and eventually employed both my parents.

Reflecting on the past, I’ll never know how my life would have unfolded had I not migrated. What I do know is that the choices I made shaped the life I have now—a life I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Over the years, the idea of making bold moves has stayed with me. My wife and I have embraced living in various places with wildly different environments. This adventurous spirit has allowed us to experience life in Minnesota, Texas, and now Washington. We don’t know where our next chapter will take us, but we’re excited for the journey ahead.

These experiences have also changed how I approach decisions. I think in reverse: I envision the outcomes I want and then determine the choices needed to achieve them. For example, I work remotely to maintain the flexibility to move when we’re ready. I’m also building a new venture with the goal of creating another income stream in the next five years.

What once seemed like monumental decisions—like moving to another city or even another country—now feel manageable. The experiences we’ve gained over the years have made us resilient and adaptable. Migrating to a different country was the spark that ignited a life of continuous exploration and growth, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

Wishing you a wonderful last day of 2024 and a very happy New Year!