Katya Chavez
Homeland?
Michoacan, México
Year Immigrated to United States?
2011
Age when immigrated?
13
Why did you leave your country?
Seeking a better life, education and safety.
What had you heard about the United States? What expectations did you have?
That this was the country of the opportunities and it was easier to achieve your goals.
Did you leave your family behind?
Yes.
Where in the United States did you arrive?
Minnesota
What was the journey like?
Thankfully I was legal to come to the US, so I didn't suffer as bad as others. I spent 2 days on a bus coming here and my legs were swollen that my shoes did not even fit me.
What was your first job in the United States?
Landscaping with my dad.
Did you attend school in the United States? What was it like?
I did go to 8th grade and high school. Worst experience I've had in this country. I suffered from bullying and me not being able to defend my self from my lack of english.
As time has passed, how does your experience in the United States compare to what you expected?
It is not as easy as everyone says it is.
Has your cultural identity changed? If yes, how?
Yes, I come from a really close minded family and I'm trying to change that by taking new opportunities.
How do you maintain your culture and customs of your home country? Is it difficult to do so?
I try to go back to my hometown at least once a year for a big celebration (easter) it is difficult because I was living in a white people neighborhood until now that I recently moved.
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 is that I'm experiencing things I would not be able to do in my hometown just for being a girl. The most difficult was the bullying and learning English. Yes, there are more times where I felt unwelcomed than welcomed.
What do you wish more people knew about immigrants?
That not all of us are criminals, appreciate our work ethic.
What are some important things people could do to make the process of coming to a new country better?
Being prepared for the worse even if it does not happen.