In Carl Sandburg’s words, “Nothing happens unless first we dream,” but for some, even to dream freely and fearlessly is a luxury. Such is the story of Rafael De Marco Esparza Robles, the firstborn son of undocumented immigrants in the United States, a Mexican American Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, and a proud alumnus of MIT Professional Education’s No Code AI and Machine Learning Program.
A Childhood of Uncertainty and Hope
For Rafael, growing up in Ventura County, California, was not easy. He lived in a camper among lemon trees on a farm in Somis, California, where he worked in the fields, orchards and lawn care, constantly fearing that at any moment, his parents could be deported and he could end up in foster care.
For him, childhood was anything but carefree. He opens up about going to school every day with the constant shadow of fear and anxiety following him.
“The daily anxiety of going to school without feeling safe, combined with the stigma of my family’s immigration status, weighed heavily on me. Stories of relatives, friends, and community members being apprehended by Border Patrol only amplified these fears.”
Even small things like going to church felt like an enormous struggle. But despite all this, he fondly remembers the moments of joy that came with the post- church McDonald’s visits with his aunt and cousins.
These visits to McDonald’s were a symbol of happiness amidst the chaos and even to this day, he still seeks out McDonald’s wherever he goes and the Big Mac reminds him and transports him back to those cherished childhood moments of comfort and connections with his loved ones.
After all these years, Rafael still clearly remembers the day when his family received their residency. His home was filled with laughter and celebration and, more importantly, the freedom to plan for a future that they had only cautiously hoped for.
“It was a long 12-year journey before my parents received their residency. I vividly remember the day we got the news. Our home was suddenly filled with smiles, family gatherings, and conversations brimming with laughter and hope. Before that, our lives were clouded by the constant fear of ‘la migra.’ But now, for the first time, I felt free to dream.”
A Legacy of Culture and Perseverance
Despite the challenges, Rafael’s upbringing as a Mexican American was enriched by cherished traditions and vibrant cultural influences. He talks about how celebrating holidays like Día de los Muertos and milestones with tequila, piñatas, and mariachi, banda, or norteño music are part of his life’s fabric.
The culture-rich experience shaped his identity. These celebrations and flavours of traditional dishes like tamales, birria de chivo, carnitas, guacamole, menudo, and salsas for every occasion gave him a connection to roots in a foreign country and provided him with a sense of self and fueled his journey of self-discovery.
Growing up in a Mexican household not only influenced Rafael’s identity but also his professional path. From a young age itself, he absorbed the traditions and values of his Mexican heritage.
Watching his family’s journey, he learned the importance of hard work, perseverance and resilience, which guided him towards navigating his own career and drove him towards excellence and innovation. The values that he received as a legacy of his culture have enabled him to create and foster an inclusive and empowering environment in all his leadership roles.
“I strive to create spaces where individuals from all backgrounds feel welcome, valued, and empowered. This mirrors the spirit of togetherness that defines my Mexican culture.”
Breaking Boundaries With Learning
Learning is a collaborative process. Meeting new people from diverse backgrounds and learning alongside them can open up a whole new world of possibilities and perspectives. Rafael strongly believes in the power of continuous learning and upskilling.
For him, upskilling with MIT Professional Education’s No Code AI and Machine Learning Program has been a crucial point in his personal and professional growth. It has reinforced his confidence, integrity and resilience.
By enhancing his skills and knowledge, Rafael was able to develop clarity, compassion, and emotional management abilities that have further helped him improve his communication skills and expand his supportive network.
“As a gay Mexican American man, I have faced unique challenges, but through openness and authenticity, I have evolved toward self-acceptance and community building. Continuous learning has been a transformative journey that has empowered me to navigate life with clarity, prioritize love and hope, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.”
In his advice to young Hispanic learners in America, Rafael encourages them to embrace their heritage with pride and integrity. He urges them to approach challenges with passion and determination. He also talks about the value of education and the importance of staying curious to unlock opportunities.
Rafael’s story highlights the power of proudly embracing one’s identity in all its uniqueness and diversities. We at Great Learning are incredibly proud and happy to have been a part of her success journey.
