Not Your Ordinary Abuela: Rey's Grandmother, A Beacon of Strength and Wisdom

Not Your Ordinary Abuela: Rey's Grandmother, A Beacon of Strength and Wisdom

Every family has a cornerstone of resilience and love; for Rey, that person is her abuelita. Her wisdom, strength, and boundless compassion have left an indelible mark on her life, shaping her values, career aspirations, and perspective on family. In an interview with Not Your Ordinary Abuela, Rey shared heartfelt stories of her grandmother’s enduring impact and the lessons she passed down that continue to inspire her.

Personal Impact: Strength in the Face of Adversity

Rey’s abuela carried an extraordinary strength, which Rey unknowingly helped her discover.

“When I was a baby, my abuela told me that holding me in her arms gave her the courage to leave my grandpa,” Rey recalls. “He wasn’t the kindest person, but having me gave her the strength to walk away and start anew.”

This story has become a guiding light for Rey, a reminder that strength resides within her, even in life’s toughest moments. It’s a lesson that helps her remain level-headed and make good decisions, knowing she has the power to overcome challenges.

Academic Influence: Education as Freedom

As a middle school teacher, Rey’s abuela instilled a deep respect for learning.

“She brought me to her classes, let me help clean her classroom, and taught me so much,” Rey says. “She worked with me on my homework, penmanship, English, punctuation—everything.”

When Rey was old enough, her abuela introduced her to The American GI Forum Youth Group, an organization whose motto is, “Education is our freedom, and freedom should be everyone’s business.” This exposure cemented Rey’s belief in the transformative power of education and inspired her to consider becoming an educator herself.

“She approached teaching with so much passion,” Rey reflects. “It’s influenced how I think about my own career and the importance of pursuing what I love.”

Professional Guidance: Passion as a Compass

Rey’s abuela believed deeply in the value of passion.

“She always told me to go for the things I’m most passionate about, and I’ve held that advice close to my heart,” Rey shares. “Whether it’s fashion or ocean life, my career choices have always been guided by what I truly care about.”

Her words remind her to find joy and purpose in her work, emphasizing that passion is essential for fulfillment. This philosophy has guided Rey’s career path and shaped her approach to life and work.

Legacy and Values: Love, Empathy, and Purpose

Rey’s abuela’s values continue to shape her life in profound ways.

“Always be helpful, always be nice, and love your family to no end,” she’d say. “You never know what someone is going through or if your actions will leave a lasting impression.”

Her lessons about cherishing family and carrying empathy into every interaction are principles Rey lives by. In her professional life, she’s embraced her abuela’s belief that it’s better to be stuck doing something you love than trapped in something you dislike. Her wisdom serves as a constant reminder to lead with passion, kindness, and love.

Abuela’s Legacy

My abuela, a beacon of light,

Her love and strength, my guiding sight.

As a baby, I gave her the will to be free,

Her courage was born while holding me.

“Mija,” she’d say, “education’s the way,

To build your dreams and seize the day.”

In classrooms filled with chalk and care,

Her wisdom was a gift she chose to share.

Her passion for teaching, her heart so bold,

Taught me that knowledge is worth more than gold.

She shaped my path, my dreams, my role,

Filling my life with purpose and soul.

“Follow your passions, don’t settle for less,

Find joy in your work, and always do your best.”

Her voice remains, a compass so true,

Guiding my choices in all that I do.

Her values of kindness, love without end,

A helping hand to all, a family to tend.

Her legacy lives in the life I lead,

A tribute to her, in word and deed.

My abuela’s strength, her wisdom, her grace,

Are etched in my heart, a sacred place.

Her story reminds me to live with love,

And honor her spirit in all I’m part of.