By Cheryl Cariño-Burr
My father left the green jungles of the Philippines to seek his American dream when he was 19 years old. He landed on the sunny shores of Oahu, Hawaii, and started working for a sugar cane plantation.
He was a self-taught musician and dreamed of teaching music. Unfortunately, my dad didn’t progress past a sixth grade education, so he took low paying jobs to raise his family of eight children. His American dream became the success of his children.
I think of my father every day because I now work with new Americans who had a dream. Like my father, many of them are pinning their hopes on their children.
But I can change that narrative. …
This article was originally published in the print edition of the Federal Way Mirror on Nov. 2, 2018.
About the Author
Cheryl Cariño-Burr is a graduate of Highline College and the University of Washington Tacoma. She volunteers for social justice causes and has served on the Federal Way Diversity Commission. In her spare time, she enjoys music and golf.
About Highline Voices
Highline Voices brings a range of diverse perspectives to our community, featuring the expertise of Highline College staff and faculty. Read other articles in the Highline Voices series that began in 2016. All Highline employees are welcome to contribute to the series. Email Tanya Powers or Kari Coglon Cantey for guidelines.