EARN Volunteer: My Path, Savers’ Paths

I remember one day when my mother told me we were leaving the Philippines, I asked her, “Bakit?” which in my native tongue, Tagalog, means simply, “Why?”

My mother replied, “To live the American dream”. This meant nothing to me at the tender age of 6, but she assured me that everything would turn out just fine, if not better.

As I got older, my definition of the “American dream” began to take shape. In school, I was taught that the US was like no other. Here, everyone, regardless of class, ethnicity, and gender, had the opportunity to be prosperous and live a successful life. I whole-heartedly believed this.

After years of saving, my mother bought a home near the fringes of the Bay Area. Soon after, the infamous housing bubble burst and we became part of the statistics. We went into foreclosure. I couldn’t help but think that perhaps the “American dream” was now just that, a dream.

Years passed and I sought to regain hope and inspiration by volunteering. I found out about EARN and their mission to help low-income families in the local area and immediately, I felt compelled to volunteer. That’s where I met Mu, whose story has many similarities to mine but a whole different perspective.

Like my mother, Mu decided to leave the comforts of what she knew—her hometown, her family, and friends—in order to pursue a better life in the US. Her transition from China to a new country wasn’t an easy one. Similar to many immigrants, she had a hard time finding a job because of her limited English and lack of work experience. With perseverance, she continued to learn English and eventually landed a job at a local non-profit organization.

Happily married with a family of her own, she dreamed of homeownership so that she could provide a secure and stable household for her two young daughters. Her resourcefulness led her to reach out to EARN. Through EARN, she learned important tips on homeownership, setting realistic goals, and saving.

It’s been a few years now since she first received her new set of house keys, and her unwavering optimism remains intact. She’s currently taking classes at City College in pursuit of a Pharmacy Technician degree and plans to start a college savings account for her children in the very near future.

I can only imagine how beneficial EARN would have been for my mother while she was exploring homeownership. For those who've been fortunate to take part, it's heartwarming to hear about their journey towards living the American dream.

Until next time,
 

Regina Aberin
EARN Communications Volunteer