Life As A Migrant Farmworker

A first-generation American, Cesar Chavez was born on March 31, 1927, outside Yuma, Arizona. At age 11, his family lost their farm during the Great Depression and became migrant farmworkers. Chavez traveled throughout California laboring in the fields, where he was exposed to the hardships and injustices of farmworker life.

Chavez finished his formal education after the eighth grade and worked the fields full-time to help support his family.

Chavez joined the U.S. Navy in 1946 and served in the Pacific. He returned from the service in 1948 and married Helen Fabela, whom he met while working in the fields and vineyards in California. Together, they settled in the East San Jose neighborhood of Sal Si Puedes ("Get Out if You Can"), and had eight children, later enjoying 31 grandchildren.

Now it's your turn!

In the comments section below, write a short biography about a person you admire (or about yourself!).  Use this text as a model for your writing.