I grew up in a big family, but fled to the city when I was 15 because I didn’t want an arranged marriage. I started as a housekeeper, and worked for 3 years. When I was 18, I was introduced to the life of prostitution. I had two children, whose father I will never know. I never got to see them because of working at night and sleeping during the day.// But now, the change and opportunity I’ve experienced through a “real” job gives me a joy that cannot be expressed. I am confident now, and my children are the pride of my life. And even they have changed, as they are proud of me, and the work I am able to do.

March 22, 2016 — Marisa Pardo