“Ultimately, it is the responsibility of individuals to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, make responsible financial decisions, pursue education … and fight to break the cycle of poverty. Many poor remain poor because they do not know how to break the cycle of poverty. You don’t know what you don’t know. However, those who are determined to get out realize that it’s going to take hard work, perseverance, responsibility, and being savvy with the money they do have. They may only barely make it above the poverty line, but the example they set for their children — pushing them toward a better life and better opportunities — is breaking the cycle. This is the tenor of every successful immigrant story. It is as American as apple pie.” – Emmy Griffin