Claudia Ayala was born in Colima, Mexico. She moved to Mexico City after she finished high school at the age of 17 to continue her education at the university.

While in Mexico City, she shared a 2-bedroom apartment with a sister, 2 cousins and an uncle. Her father paid for school until she had made enough money at her part-time job to pay for it herself. Claudia worked for Sony while she was in school.

Claudia wanted to move up in her company or at another job. Her boss explained to her that the next-higher position required that she speak English. “People who only speak Spanish never rise higher in jobs,” Claudia said.

Claudia started seeing Amel Zamora when she was 29 years old. He had lived in the United States for 11 years and went to visit her twice a year in Mexico. After 2 years of a mostly over-the-phone relationship, they were married.

Claudia takes English as a Second Language classes at Green River Community College. Her English was not very strong at first, but now she is in level 4 at GRCC.

Claudia visits her family twice a year. “I miss my family, “ Claudia says.