Occupation: Student

Country of Birth: Mexico

Current: Lincolnshire, IL

“When I started packing, it hit me: how do you pack an entire life into two suitcases?”

Anette was born in Tepatitlán de Morelos, Jalisco, a small but lively city in Mexico. Growing up, she was surrounded by family traditions, gatherings at her grandparents’ rancho, and celebrations like Tepabril, a month-long festival filled with music, food, and fireworks. High school was an exciting time for her—it was her first real experience of independence, and she built friendships that felt like they would last a lifetime.

However, everything changed when her family’s long-pending US immigration application was approved. In September 2021, her father announced that they had to travel to Ciudad Juárez for paperwork and medical exams for their green cards. By January 2022, Anette’s father had moved to Chicago alone to secure his job and an apartment. Finally, it was time to leave, and saying goodbye was heartbreaking. Packing her life into two suitcases felt impossible, but on July 6, 2022, Anette left behind everything she knew and boarded a plane to the US.

Arriving in Chicago was overwhelming. The city was different from anything she had ever known, and high school was intimidating, especially because she did not speak English fluently. On her first day, she went to the wrong class and struggled to find the right bus home. But over time, small moments—supportive teachers, kind classmates, and shared experiences with other immigrant students—helped her adjust.

Now, Anette has embraced her new life. She practices fencing, ice skating, and helps other Latino students navigate the challenges of moving to a new country. Though leaving Mexico was difficult, she has found strength in her journey and hopes to inspire others.