Many local students in Anderson High School regularly have to go to Mexico for family, school, or cultural reasons, often forcing them to balance two very different lives. One of those students is Fabian Rodruigez, who, like many others, must constantly adjust routines before returning to the U.S and continuing life at school.
Rodruigez travels to Mexico every year during winter break, usually during a three week period. He mainly goes to Nayarit and Jalisco, where most of his family lives, while occasionally visiting other places like Guadalajara. Spanish is mainly spoken in his household over there, but there are some cousins who do speak English. Almost all of his aunts and uncles speak and understand little to no English.
When he is in Mexico, Rodruigez spends most of his time with his family, hanging out with cousins, and visiting the town center. One of his favorite things to do is visit the beach. “There’s no school to worry about.” and, “It’s stress free and there isn’t anything to worry about.”he stated.
Family traditions are an important part of Fabian’s visits. One tradition his family takes pride in holding every year is buying and donating toys to children in nearby towns. Each year, they purchase around 70 toys and give them away through a raffle style event, allowing kids to choose from a big selection. Fabian described it as the highlight of his trips.”We sent a lot of toys over there. And then we’ll just give them out to the kids out of my town.”
Fabian’s family is very large, especially on his father’s side. His grandmother had six sons, and also six sisters. “That’s just on my dad’s side”. Although hesitant to admit it, Fabian also has favorite cousins, including Eric and Ceasar, one of whom lives here in the U.S. and the other who is studying in Mexico.
Fabian explained that the area where his family lives is generally safe. Although he knows there are more dangerous places up north, he and his family avoid those areas. “ Where I live, it is safe. Just don’t go up too far north ’cause, cartel.”
Despite loving Mexico, Fabian admits to having gotten used to life and food in the United States. Still, his trips to Mexico remain an important part of his life and who he is as a person. It gives him time with family, cultural connections, and a break from everyday responsibilities, something many Anderson High School students can relate to.
