My name is Jenny Rivera, and a big part of my life is caring for my parents. I help them with just about everything—grocery shopping, cooking, cutting their hair, giving manicures and pedicures, and helping around the house with whatever they need. From seasonal changes like switching clothes and adjusting the home for colder weather to everyday tasks, I try to make their lives easier and more comfortable.
Over the past five or more years, this role has grown into a regular part of my life. As my parents have gotten older—my mom is 89 and my dad just turned 95—they’ve needed more support. While they do have some daytime help, they rely on family for much of their care. I try to be there every weekend and whenever I can during the week. They took care of me when I was younger, and now the roles have naturally shifted.
Helping them makes me feel grateful and grounded. Knowing that my support helps them stay healthy, independent, and present with us longer is incredibly meaningful. This experience has taught me patience and reminded me to focus less on myself and more on the people I love. Even when balancing work and life feels stressful, I always know why I’m doing this.
To me, being American means showing up for others with kindness, empathy, and care. It means understanding that everyone is dealing with something and choosing compassion anyway. The way I care for my parents reflects how I try to move through the world—leading with generosity, acceptance, and hope that kindness continues to ripple outward.
Over the past five or more years, this role has grown into a regular part of my life. As my parents have gotten older—my mom is 89 and my dad just turned 95—they’ve needed more support. While they do have some daytime help, they rely on family for much of their care. I try to be there every weekend and whenever I can during the week. They took care of me when I was younger, and now the roles have naturally shifted.
Helping them makes me feel grateful and grounded. Knowing that my support helps them stay healthy, independent, and present with us longer is incredibly meaningful. This experience has taught me patience and reminded me to focus less on myself and more on the people I love. Even when balancing work and life feels stressful, I always know why I’m doing this.
To me, being American means showing up for others with kindness, empathy, and care. It means understanding that everyone is dealing with something and choosing compassion anyway. The way I care for my parents reflects how I try to move through the world—leading with generosity, acceptance, and hope that kindness continues to ripple outward.
