My Experience as a Teen Immigrant
When I immigrated to the
United States I was just seven years old. My Mom and I came from a village in
Colombia. I don’t remember too much about it and don’t miss it too much, although
my Mom did miss it a lot at first. But
things weren’t so great for us in Colombia after she lost her job and Dad died.
So when she was hired for a good job in the U.S., we decided to move. I was
unhappy to leave my relatives and friends, but Mom knew I’d get a great
education here.
At first, I found it hard
to fit in at my school—Oakvale Elementary. I was the only immigrant in my class. Everything was so very different. The
language, the way people looked, and even the food was alien. The first time I ever
saw mac-and-cheese was in the school cafeteria! I was shy and felt like a loner. Sometimes I
would make mistakes and some kids in class would laugh. I’d feel my face get
hot and I’d look down at my desk. I didn’t think I’d ever really fit in. I’d
come home to Mom after school and cry because I was so lonely.
“Barichara, the village where I was born, is considered one of the prettiest villages in the country.”
Then, after only a few
weeks, I began to make friends. During the first week, Jean, who sat beside me
in class, smiled at me and helped me find my way around school. We quickly became
good friends. Then Mark, who is kind and funny, helped me a couple times when I
had trouble finding the correct English word. We’d all sit together at lunch
and make each other laugh. As time went on, I began to feel like I was fitting
in. It felt so much better to belong, and I didn’t feel so much like an
outsider.
Now, I feel proud to be a
Colombian-American teen. I feel like I have the best of two worlds. Some of my
relatives are still in Colombia. Barichara, the village where I was born, is
considered one of the prettiest villages in the country. A couple years back, Mom
and I went for a visit. It was such a great experience. Although I hadn’t seen
some of my relatives in a long time, we hugged and kissed—it was so exciting to
see them all again. We plan on visiting them this year too. I can’t wait to see
them and try more of Aunt Sofia’s spicy vegetarian food!
After high school, I want
to go to college and study to become a teacher. Being an immigrant has inspired
me to work in education. I feel I could use my experience of learning a new
language to help others. I think I have learned valuable skills for coping in a
new country. I also learned that if you work hard and are determined, you can
conquer fears and problems.
I am so different now than
when I first came to the United States. I’m a much more confident person, and I
enjoy meeting new people and getting to know them. I love to speak up in class
and participate. Recently, I got an award for debating in a state competition.
Imagine that! Me, that little girl who was too shy to speak up in class! I’ve
come a long way, don’t you think?
