Patricia Hughes,
Lake Arrowhead, CA.

My father’s father took the long route of immigration from Greece during the political upheavals occurring in the early part of the 20th century, and later sent for his family. My father and some of his siblings were born in America. Growing up extremely poor in Denver, Colorado, my father was determined to excel both in education and sports (he was a champion wrestler), and to serve his country as a United States Marine in WWII. Post-war, he earned his degree, and became an elementary teacher in America’s public schools. Then, he literally followed a dream to marry my mother. My mother’s lineage traces back to European royal lines.

Mom and Dad only ever wanted us to “be Americans” and to “assimilate.” Although we love Greek food and culture, we did not, as children, learn the Greek language or continue in the Greek church. It’s interesting to note that my “white” mother was not accepted by my Greek grandfather, for quite some time!

All of us kids grew up in small-town America: Southern California. I chose to follow my father’s path, and became a teacher. I am concluding my own long career in public education, having served the needs of our “ever-immigrant” nation.

We are all immigrants.