Daisy Torres
Homeland?
Havana, Cuba
Year Immigrated to United States?
1986
Age when immigrated?
13 years old
Why did you leave your country?
My parents decided for me.They wanted me to have a better future and have an education.
What had you heard about the United States? What expectations did you have?
I heard the US was the best place in the world. The best place to live since you would have all the luxuries you would ever dreamed of having.
Did you leave your family behind?
Yes, I left my mother and older siblings. The separation was a very traumatic experience. I remember crying for my mother everyday for at least a year.
Where in the United States did you arrive?
Richmond Hill in Queens, New York
What was the journey like?
The journey was a long process. I first arrive in Panama and stayed there for two week. After that I lived in the Dominican Republic for 3 months while they processed my residency documents. One approve to come to the US, I first went to visit my grandmother in Puerto Rico for a week and then made it to my final destination in Richmond Hill, Queens.
What was your first job in the United States?
My first job in the US was at a family owned boutique. I was 15 years old at that time and made $3.75 an hour.
Did you attend school in the United States? What was it like?
Yes. It was a great experience meeting other kids from many different countries.
As time has passed, how does your experience in the United States compare to what you expected?
As time has passed I realize that the United States offers many opportunities for everyone that wants to better themselves. It does not come easy and you have to overcome many challenges and be strong enough not to give up on your dreams.
Has your cultural identity changed? If yes, how?
Slightly change. I know consider myself a Cuban-American. I have adopted many American customs and values.
How do you maintain your culture and customs of your home country? Is it difficult to do so?
I maintained my culture by cooking traditional food, dancing and staying connected to family.
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?
The best thing about my American experience is the opportunity that this country offers and the fact that you are able to see the positive results if you work hard enough. I always felt welcomed as an immigrant but did suffer some kind of discrimination by people who judged me without knowing me.
What do you wish more people knew about immigrants?
More people should know that all immigrants come for the same reason and that is to have a better life just like our first immigrants coming to this country many decades ago.
What are some important things people could do to make the process of coming to a new country better?
New immigrants should learn the English language and make an effort to learn about the new country they are living in.