November Gratitude Spotlight: Ana Wilson
November is National Adoptee Awareness Month and National Gratitude Month. During this month, we wanted to highlight a Ties alumni from this past year who embodied these themes.
Ana poses in front of an angel wing mural Guatemala.
What inspired you to join the Ties Program and return to your country of birth?
This trip has been a long time coming for both myself and my mom. My mom had mentioned a few years back that we could go back to Guatemala and see my beautiful home country, if I wanted. We wanted to go back in 2020, but COVID happened so that took a pause. Finally after my freshman year of college, we looked into it again and we made the decision to go. I am so happy that we decided to go with Ties because they made the experience so special.
What moment or experience during your trip had the biggest emotional impact on you, and why?
The experience that had an impact on me was when a couple of the families went to Chichicastenango for a day. This visit truly opened my eyes and really made me think about how two different worlds can coexist in one world.
Being able to see how these people interact and live was just so breathtaking. I got to reflect on how much I am grateful for the life I am living but also felt sadness for the people who may have less than myself and others.
Another beautiful moment was finally meeting my foster mom. Growing up, I always heard about my foster mom, Carmen. I saw pictures of her and myself and could tell I was so loved. Being able to see Carmen in person was truly amazing and emotional at the same time. My mom said she looked the exact same from when she met her for the first time. She is the sweetest little lady and didn’t change at all. She was so emotional when she saw me, and I was too. I was in shock, really, I couldn’t believe that I was sitting right in front of her.
Carmen also waved me off at the airport when we left. At that moment, I was truly shocked to see her but also knew she cared for me so much. I remember walking into the airport and tearing up because I was so happy to see that she came to say goodbye one last time.
How has the Ties Program changed the way you think about identity, culture, or connection?
Ana and her foster mother, Carmen.
I came out of the trip very grateful and feeling very proud of where I came from. For a time, I felt disconnected from my own culture because I didn’t grow up around others who share the same background. I knew other adoptees from other places but not Guatemala. Being with other adoptees around my age was so much fun and being able to create bonds with them. Because of how much the trip changed me, I definitely want to go back. I’m glad I have that feeling, I want to be apart of my culture somehow, even if it’s now.
What would you say to another adoptee or family considering a heritage journey like this?
If someone were to ask me, I would say YES! 100% go and explore your culture. Being able to see and experience the beauty of your culture is something special. I was very fortunate to have a mother who supported me and wanted to go with me to see where I came from. Being able to experience this was emotional but amazing all at the same time.
My name is Ana Wilson, I am 20 years old and live in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. I am a junior attending Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am majoring in Early Childhood Education. Before transferring to Mount Mary, I was at University of Wisconsin - Green Bay. I was born in Guatemala and adopted by my mom, Carol, in 2005, at 6 months old. I traveled with Ties to Guatemala in June of 2024.
Fun Facts:
-A political activist and DNC 2024 At- Large Delegate.
-I have met the Former Vice President, Kamala Harris, 3 times.
-Competed in horse jumping shows for 6+ years.
-I have been working with young children for the past 5 years, ranging from 6 weeks old to 12 years old.
When I am not working or being a college student, I can be found watching TV, reading up on celebrity pop culture, and listening to music. Some of my favorite artists include Taylor Swift, Lindsey Stirling, Elvis Presley, and more!
🎉 For the month of November, Ties is extending our Early Bird special with $100 off registration for all of our summer 2026 programs. Register by November 30, 2025 to take advantage of this offer.