Lessons Learned From Francisco Jimenez's Book Breaking Through

Breaking down barriers

To break down a barrier, means to have an open-mind set to who you talk to, look at, and judge. In the book, Francisco experiences racial barriers that are created in his school. The students at his school easily judge others by their appearances and race. Since Francisco is Mexican, he is treated differently than others and faces hard times as he tries to “fit in”.

Striving for a better way of life

The Jimenez’s come to America to strive for a better life and lifestyle.

They search for job opportunities and a proper education for their children. Despite the fact they are here illegally, they work and go to school like normal human beings. The Jimenez’s set an example for most illegal immigrants that cross the border.

Helping to support your family

Francisco Jimenez is constantly working hard in school so he can hopefully receive a scholarship and the grades to go to a good college.

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His mind is set so that it is family first before school. Even though Francisco gets pulled out numerous of times out of class, he makes the grade he wants. He helps in the field to make more money so that hopefully their family can buy their way in legally.

Having a strong work ethic

Having a strong work ethic means to be a dedicated worker and to be honest and trustworthy. Francisco’s family constantly works to make money to be legally in America. They work hard and they receive little pay.

I learned that even if you receive little pay, you should still work on having a good work ethic so maybe, hopefully, you will be granted a higher wage.

The value of education

This book made me realize that a good education can take you a long way. Education soon leads to work which is gifted with a payroll. Francisco knows the value of education and works hard on getting good grades so that he can make money and help his family pay for their needs.

Encountering racism

In the book, Francisco encounters racism and simply ignores it. If I was him, I would have stepped up and did something about it. He made me realize that the greatest weapon is the weapon of silence. If you don’t say anything about it, then they will soon go away and you should learn to ignore it. This soon leads to breaking the barrier of racism in his school.

Being proud of your heritage

Being proud of your heritage can lead to good things. Francisco is harassed everyday for being a “poor Mexican” but he ignores it. By ignoring the problem, it is soon resolved as he lives his life. He receives the grade he wants and is scouted by many professors. Also, being proud of your heritage can lead to breaking the barriers of race.

Working hard to fulfill your dreams

Francisco worked hard everyday of his illegal life. He worked hard by going to school and helps his parents in the field to provide them with food and shelter for their current living conditions. He made me learn that you have to work and be dedicated to what you want to get what you want.

Making friends and become a leader at school

Making friends can lead to a better reputation where everyone knows you already enough to not criticize you. Francisco aims for a sufficient amount of close friends so that he does not get picked on and soon everyone just leaves him alone and is less judgmental.

Writing a story about your life

Francisco writes this book and describes his adventures while living illegally in the U. S. He teaches kids around the world that racial barriers aren’t a bad thing but is a good motivational example to help push you to what you aim for. He documents his life and shares it with the world to teach others the difficulties and lessons he has learned in life living illegally.