One of my absolute favorite people in the world is my childhood nanny, Susana. She taught me everything I know about being a compassionate and decent human being. I believe she has had the single most influential impact on my character. I’ve never seen Susana get angry in a way that upsets or undermines anyone’s feelings or character. Her completely sincere kindness has undoubtedly influenced me to be a better human being; to strive to be like she is. Through having Susana in my life, I was exposed to a new culture, a new language, new perspectives, and a wholly unique outlook on life and influential life-guidance.  Thankfully, my family and I are still very close to her and we see her often.

My family has employed Susana since 1993 when my older brother was born. I have and always have had a wonderful relationship with her. She played a very maternal role in my upbringing, and to this day we are great friends. Now she confides in me, and vise versa. I feel extremely close to her and always have loved her more than anything. The bond that was created through her presence in my life is one I have never taken for granted and one that I know we will never lose. I’ve always been able to sense her genuine love for me and my brother, as if we were her own children. Cooing whispers of “mi hijita” and “mi princesa preciosa” filled my childhood and grace my more mature life now.

As I've gotten older, she has told me more and more about her life and her struggles. As she, too, is getting older, she can no longer comfortably work with very small children, and thus has struggled to find work. Consequently, her income has dropped and it's difficult for her to get by. My family helps her as best we can, but her pride often denies it. It's really difficult for me to see her struggle because to me, she deserves the best that the world has to offer. She has given me so much, and I so wish I could somehow give her eternal happiness.

I support the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights because not many people realize how much of an impact domestic workers have on children and families. If domestic workers are treated well and fairly, the bond between the family and the worker can be a life-long, love-filled one. Additionally, they are humans who are fulfilling a task just like any other person with a job. Why should one have rights and one not? What makes it just for one person to suffer without protection?

Katie Wilson is a youth leader with Jewish Youth for Community Action (JYCA).  She is  16 years old and a sophomore at the Urban School of San Francisco.

This post is part of a blog carnival on the CA Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights. To support domestic workers like Susana, sign the petition here: http://www.domesticworkers.org/