Ancestors | Chris Santos

Chris Santos on the hardships his ancestors had to overcome in order to live a better life in the United States.

My grandparents were initially homeless from the Philippines. At the age of 19, my grandpa decided to join the Filipino Navy and was stationed in the United States.

He had to leave his whole family behind in the Philippines. This is where he met and fell in love with my grandma and decided to settle, where my mom had me at seventeen. They went through many hardships of maintaining a stable income in the States, adjusting to a new culture, all while still trying to keep their own traditions of their ancestors and I couldn't be more grateful for that.

Even though we have a weak connection because of the language barrier, differences in culture, and distance, the actions of my ancestors and their bravery is clear. It makes me proud to know that I'm a Filipino American because of the sacrifices and risks my grandparents decided to take.

- Chris Santos, IG: @chrissandtoes

📸: @jimmyz_z