Richard R RamosRichard R. Ramos. Founder of Parents on a Mission,Youth on a Mission, and Latino Coalition for Community Leadership

Juan's story is a powerful reminder that where you come from does not have to determine....

13 Oct 2026 · 1 min

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In this personal testimony, Juan recounts his upbringing in Bakersfield, California, as the son of immigrant farmworkers who labored in the Central Valley’s grape and citrus fields. He notes his parents’ limited formal education—his father completed sixth grade and his mother only third grade—but emphasizes that they valued education as the key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Juan also describes the harsh environment of his childhood neighborhood, marked by high crime, violence, and disinvestment, as well as family hardships stemming from domestic violence and alcoholism. The narrative sets the stage for a broader message that one’s origins need not dictate future outcomes.

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So yeah, born and raised in Bakersfield, California. Proud son of immigrant farmworking parents. Both of them campesinos, both of them farmworkers here in the Central Valley from grapes to citrus. My dad had a 6th grade education. My mom had a 3rd grade education. So for them, education was really important in how to break the cycle of poverty. But we also grew up in challenges. I grew up in a neighborhood that is, you know, high crime, high violence. High poverty, super disinvested, and with that, you know, even the challenges in a family that, that was impacted by domestic violence and alcoholism.