Natalie Cruz

My story begins with my mom and me getting on the airplane by ourselves and coming to the U.S to reunite with my dad. I was 9 months old and my mom, only 21. My parents made the decision to accept an opportunity of a lifetime, but unknowingly made a decision that would also cause them to have to sacrifice more than any human should ever have to endure. From spanish being our first and only language, to it slowly transitioning into non-native english, our stories are one. It is a life-long process and journey of returning to my native tongue and embracing and fervently protecting the history and life my parents left behind. Their sacrifice is the greatest love sacrifice of all. I am proud and paperless, and forever blessed and grateful.

The Butterfly postcard campaign was developed by the UIC Latino Cultural Center in collaboration with student organizations Fearless Undocumented Alliance and Heritage Garden Student Group that highlights the parallels between the migration of people and Monarch butterflies across national borders.