The Waterers

This video follows Michael Ramirez, a National Guard member based in Crookston, Minnesota, as he reflects on his service, future reenlistment, and the balance between stateside responsibilities and overseas missions. He discusses the educational and financial opportunities the military provides, his hopes to guide younger family members, and how service has shaped his perspective on discipline, community, and everyday life.

This episode highlights McKenzie Schmiedt, a female service member, reflecting on progress and ongoing challenges for women in the military. She speaks candidly about gaining greater opportunities and respect while still confronting stereotypes, inequities, and sexual harassment, emphasizing the importance of boundaries, strength, and being recognized as a soldier first.

This video features David Medrano, a Mexican American veteran who reflects on his 20-year military career spanning the Army Reserve and U.S. Air Force, including deployments during Desert Storm and humanitarian missions abroad. He shares how service shaped his identity, strengthened his pride in his heritage, and deepened his commitment to leadership, family, and guiding younger generations with discipline, respect, and opportunity.

Rena Zapata explores the meaning of being an auntie as a role defined by open arms, shared responsibility, and deep emotional care. Through reflections on growing into the role at a young age and learning when to step in, guide, or simply be present, the speaker highlights both the joy and fear that come with loving children who are not your own. Anchored by memories of her Aunt Letty, the story honors aunties as steady guides who do what needs to be done—offering comfort, honesty, and unconditional love across generations.

This episode reflects on being an auntie as the privilege of helping raise children with love, guidance, and the care of a second mother. Through memories of growing up surrounded by many aunties—especially one who modeled joy, authenticity, and acceptance—the speaker shares how these relationships shape values and identity. At its core, the story affirms the lesson passed down through generations: be yourself, lead with kindness, and don’t worry about what others think.

This episode features Morgen Arguelles reflecting on what it means to be an auntie during the early years of her nephew’s life. She describes the joy of being a playful, supportive presence—setting loving boundaries while encouraging fun and exploration. The story also honors a wider network of aunties who show up in different ways, illustrating how shared care and humor shape a strong family support system.

This episode captures Monique Arguelles's joyful memories of aunties who bring laughter, playfulness, and guidance into everyday life. Through birthday cake fights, shared advice, and moments of trust—like learning to drive—the story highlights aunties as people who show patience, humor, and understanding. It also reflects how love flows both ways, as care and support are returned through helping and showing up for one another. 

This episode follows Miracle Espericueta , a young auntie, who steps into a caregiving role early in life, balancing school, work, and family while helping raise her niece and nephews. She reflects on the joy of witnessing their first milestones alongside the fear and heartbreak of protecting them from bullying and discrimination. Through sacrifice, guidance, and unwavering presence, she embodies the role of a second mother—teaching kindness, resilience, and the importance of doing the right thing.

Masyn Arguelles shares her reflections on becoming a tia at fourteen, capturing the joy, playfulness, and deep love she shares with her nephew. Alongside this bond, she honors the influence of her Aunt Letty, whose humor, confidence, and shared identity helped her feel understood and accepted. Together, these stories show how aunties pass down love, legacy, and a sense of belonging across generations.

This episode reflects on how the meaning of “auntie” evolves across cultures, generations, and chosen family, expanding beyond biology to those who step in with care when it is needed most. Through memories of great aunties, loss, resilience, and everyday acts of support, the speaker honors aunties as observers, helpers, and steady presences during life’s hardest moments. The story affirms aunties as quiet anchors who help hold families—and communities—together.