Personal Biography - Marina Mendiola

My role model is my grandfather, he born in 1944 in Durango. Since he was a child he went to school while he helped his father in the”Caserio”. Later his little brother was born and he dropped out of school to take care of him. But as soon as he could, he resumed his studies and finally got a job. With 21 years he married my grandmother, and 3 years later born his first son, my father and then my aunt. A few years later, he was transferred to Venezuela for work, where the whole family moved and they were living there for 10 years, he did his best to maintain his family. During this years, he saw the contrast of lifestyles between both countries. Finally he returned to Spain and continued working until he could. Afterwards he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and 4 years ago he suffered a ictus that left him paralyzed. He has always been a very cheerful and very fighting person, who has taken care of me, and although now despite his conditions, he continues instill the same joy as years ago. With him I have learned that no matter how hard your life could be, you never have to stop smiling, currently I'm really proud of him.