Luz Lopez
6/29/1931

“We can achieve more by having
unity and togetherness rather
than working alone.”

I was born in the Philippines. I obtained my Bachelors of Science in Education and landed a job as a community worker. I met with nursing women and pregnant mothers. I was 40 years in service in the Philippines, and then I went on early retirement.
My purpose in coming to America in 1991 was to marry a man from my town and to make a better life. He was already in Oakland since 1975. We lived in the same place where I now live. I landed a job as a child worker with Project HUGS. My husband was sick, on dialysis, and died in 1999.
Then I stopped working. I didn’t like to stay home. Very boring. So I went with some friends to St. Mary’s Center. I wondered, “What is this St. Mary’s activities?” I found out where I can fit myself in at St. Mary’s, where I can help.
I participate every year in programs here like Filipino Independence Day. The Independence Day Celebration is a get together, not only of us Filipino. We impart knowledge to non-Filipinos; we are all equal. We show our culture: dancing, speeches about how we obtained our independence, and prepare Filipino dishes. It develops more camaraderie among people. In America you meet so many different kinds of people. We exchange knowledge about our country. I love to learn about their cultures.
I feel very, very friendly with the Filipino community. We were born in and come from the 3 big islands of the Phillipines. I invite our neighbors to St. Mary’s, “Why not come? You better join us!” At St. Mary’s we help those who need help and share our talents.
I volunteered to be a member of the Peer Board. This is my third year joining the Seniors Lobby day in Sacramento. I never miss that. I also volunteer at Mercy Retirement Center and serve in my Church. I am secretary of our organization among residents at my senior facility. I help people who need my help. I accompany people to see their doctor. I love to work with people.
Friends are important because no matter how good a person is, one can do nothing without friends. We can achieve more by having unity and togetherness rather than working alone. Nobody’s perfect, anyway. And nobody has the same talents. By working with friends you can combine all the talents that you have. It puts you in a better, progressive place.