My husband and our three sons purchased a small two-bedroom ranch in the industrial zone of Orchard Park in 1994. At the mortgage signing, the seller’s lawyer encouraged us to take advantage of all the free benefits for residents. The Welcome Wagon lady was kind and gave me many coupons for freebies at local businesses. My sons have had friends of all income brackets; Orchard Park is a large town. I’m grateful that the wealthy pay their exorbitant property and school taxes— it helps lower my burden.

I’ve worked at many jobs in Erie County. The atmosphere at some was creative, and everyone respected each other and worked hard. Other jobs were a night-mare where success depended not on your work ethic but on your bloodline; you had to be related or a sycophant. I’ve been treated like dung and mocked because I’m half Mexican. I even had a supervisor tell me a vulgar joke about Mexican women and roar with laughter.

My point is there are ignorant, nasty people in many social situations. When someone humiliates me because I work hard, I’m half Mexican or “lower middle class,” after the initial shock, I chose to pity those fools. Ultimately our lives are defined by how we treat one another. Strive to do unto others as you would have them do unto you and you will be rich and successful beyond reason.

Juanita Kuenzi

Orchard Park