(1/4) As the son of immigrated, I feel like my parents prepared me be a worker. All I learned to do is work; my worth has been tied to my work output and how long I can work for; how much I can sacrifice.

(2/4) Because of the system capitalism and the culture of exploitation of immigrant and low income workers in the US, I didn’t have the best examples of what it means to live a whole ass life, and to be a whole ass human outside of work.

(3/4) I wasn’t taught to live, only to survive. “Hechale con ganas, mijo,” “Ponte las pilas cipote.” “Calladito y has tu trabajo porque si no, te botan.” All of these messages are based on your ability to perform for someone else’s company, institution, organization.

(4/4) What I am healing through is the abuse of systems that deems people expendable, even if I’m working towards the liberation of others. Working is not living. Being a hard worker is not a badge of honor. It is living in a cycle of perpetual violence and abuse.