When it was time for Jennifer Lopez to take graduation photos after earning her degree from the University of California, San Diego, she chose a location that held deep significance: the farm fields near Coachella, California, where her parents have tirelessly worked as migrant laborers.
Photographed by Branden Rodriguez, these stunning images convey a powerful narrative about the immigrant experience and the often-unseen contributions of migrant workers in the United States. In a heartfelt post shared by UC San Diego on their Facebook page, Lopez paid tribute to her parents, Carlos and Maria, who continue to labor in the fields. “My parents always emphasized that the best way for me to appreciate the importance of higher education was to experience the life of a migrant worker,” she reflected. “Coming from Michoacan, Mexico, they didn’t have the opportunity to chase their dreams of a college education and fulfilling careers.”
Lopez recalled her early days working in the fields. “I would rush from school to cross country practice, run for miles, and then be picked up by my dad to work late into the night. We would plant strawberries until the early morning and then rise again at 5 a.m. to catch the bus,” she described.
She expressed admiration for her fellow laborers who endured physical hardships while working under challenging conditions. “People often overlook the back-breaking work that goes into the food we buy at the store. Each vegetable represents someone’s hard work and sacrifice,” Lopez noted.
Even while attending college and holding a job on campus, Lopez continued to work in the fields. Juggling challenging courses and a lengthy commute made her college years particularly demanding. “Many times, I felt like giving up, but my parents’ support and guidance pushed me to keep going,” she shared.
“I wanted to return to the fields that shaped who I am today. My dad always told us, ‘If you don’t pursue higher education, you’ll end up here for life,’” she added. Lopez credits her upbringing with her drive to succeed. “I owe my growth to my parents; their sacrifices have motivated me. They took my sisters and me to the fields so we could see the challenges of labor firsthand.”
With immense pride, she graduated with a degree in sociology, a testament to her hard work and dedication.
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Summary
Jennifer Lopez, a recent graduate from UC San Diego, honors her field worker parents through meaningful graduation photos taken in the farm fields of Coachella. The images, captured by Branden Rodriguez, highlight the significant yet often overlooked contributions of migrant workers. Lopez reflects on her upbringing, the sacrifices of her parents, and how their support inspired her pursuit of higher education, culminating in her sociology degree.