Anca Puspurica
Homeland?
Romania
Year Immigrated to United States?
2001
Age when immigrated?
28
Why did you leave your country?
Better life experience
What had you heard about the United States? What expectations did you have?
To make a better living, exercise human rights so limited in my country of birth
Did you leave your family behind?
Yes
Where in the United States did you arrive?
New York
What was the journey like?
Stressful, fear of unknown
What was your first job in the United States?
Account Executive- logistics
Did you attend school in the United States? What was it like?
Yes. It was challenging to study in second language
As time has passed, how does your experience in the United States compare to what you expected?
Is better than expected
Has your cultural identity changed? If yes, how?
Not so much. If anything I became more understanding in regards people background and diversity
How do you maintain your culture and customs of your home country? Is it difficult to do so?
Kept celebrating the holidays. Cool Romanian specific dishes
What was the best thing about your immigrant experience? What has been the most difficult or challenging? Are there any times you felt welcomed or unwelcomed as an immigrant?
Missing friends and family back in Romania was certainly difficult. In NY people are less judgmental, however at times had the feeling of not belonging
What do you wish more people knew about immigrants?
Their feelings can get heart easier, they are a bit more fragile .
What are some important things people could do to make the process of coming to a new country better?
Learn the language as fast as possible, start working in order to integrate easier, respect the country own holidays