The courage to make such a sacrifice is not new to Marta, and she credits her mother for being her inspiration. “My mother has always made sure of one thing – to put food on the table. Even though we have never had much, my mother always made sure we had food,” she says.

For decades, Marta’s family has been subsistence farming in Ecuador – growing corn, yucca, greens and potatoes on their 12-acre farm. However, times have become increasingly difficult and their subsistence has been threatened.

The decision to come to Minnesota was daunting for Marta, but also obvious. In a country where the minimum wage is $100 per month and jobs are scarce, she knew what she had to do – even if it meant leaving behind her children. So, Marta and her husband made the 3,300 mile journey north, determined to support the family that they left behind.

Upon weeks of arrival in Minnesota, Marta enrolled in English, math and computer classes at the English Learning Center. “I really need to communicate well in English to get a good job. That’s why I’m coming to school,” Marta said on her first day. For almost a year now, she has been juggling changing work schedules in order to send money home. She attends school two to three nights a week, quickly advancing through English classes. As if it weren’t enough responsibility to support her family thousands of miles away, Marta has extended her support to other students who are new to the English Learning Center – introducing them to the school and orienting them to their new environment.

So, Marta continues, without hesitation to support her family from afar. It’s been a difficult journey and far from ideal. But she moves forward with an impenetrable grace and perseverance for her family’s well-being – and as an inspiration to all of us that know her.

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