What was life like in Vietnam? My mother and uncle ran a home-owned restaurant while I was in school as a 12 year old. Life was a struggle due to the poor economy. It was also extremely strict and we were not able to voice our opinions. We were forced to obey the government. Weather was hot and a lot ... Read More »
It was a struggle getting to the U.S. but it was worth it. I had a decent childhood, I was born in México, Apatzingán, Michoacán in 1984. My mom’s name was Maria but we called her Lola and my dad’s name was Cristobal. I was the youngest in my family of 5 brothers and 6 sisters, so most of the ... Read More »
I was ten years old carrying a broken heart and tears that cover my eyes when I emigrated to the United States of America from El Salvador with the innocence feeling of only wanting to be reunited with my mother and father. At the instance, I was not chasing the American Dream. All I wanted was to be able to ... Read More »
Valentina (name changed) was born in el Chol Baja Verapaz, Guatemala in 1984. She lived happily in that town until she was 32. She was married, had two children. She and her husband had a little store. She came to the US because of circumstances that she didn’t expect. Because the store was successful, the local gangs extorted and threatened ... Read More »
Carlos (name changed) was born in Mexico. He lived in Guadalajara with his parents and two sisters. When he was 14 years old he stopped going to school because his parents didn’t have money. He worked in construction with his father every day and also he fell in love. He and his girlfriend went to church together with his family ... Read More »
I was ten years old carrying a broken heart and tears that cover my eyes when I emigrated to the United States of America from El Salvador with the innocence feeling of only wanting to be reunited with my mother and father. At the instance, I was not chasing the American Dream. All I wanted was to be able to ... Read More »
Focusing on improving his golf game and visiting family, Jack Jhin lives his life relaxed. At 81, Jack has been through countless tales, both wonderful and terrible experiences. For this story, he recalls his journey to America and his life there as a first-generation immigrant. Growing up in Seoul, South Korea, Jack Jhin was very fortunate. Coming from a family ... Read More »
I remember one day coming home with soot and dust covering the shoulders of my coat from the pollution. My son once asked me, “Why did you leave China with such a good job to come to America? You work much harder here than back in China.” In China, I was considered upper class. I had a high income, lived ... Read More »
As I was walking, I made it to Texas safely. As I decided to take a break and eat a little, I saw a flashlight that was targeted at me, and it was coming closer and closer to me. I was born in Michoacan, Mexico, stuck with 9 other siblings in the ranch. I remember the roosters always being my ... Read More »
We arrived at the beach and I was extremely happy and excited, and at that point I didn’t know we were crossing. I thought it was a normal day… until I got the news that my friend was pregnant. Little did I know that was the day my life was going to change forever. My name is Elena (name changed). ... Read More »