An Immigrant's Story

It's been interesting since I arrived in America. I settled in South Philadelphia because my uncle was there. I live with Mom, Dad, two sisters, two brothers and my brother in law. I work as a seamstress while in school. When I arrived in America, people were loud, talkative, personable and interesting. I used to think they treated everyone equally but now I realize they didn't.

When leaving my immigration station I saw my dad and sister waiting for me at the end. I heard laughter, tears and joy. I felt relieved it was over. To start my new life, I had to attend a new high school and learn English. Some challenges I faced were being bullied and facing prejudice.

 When I got to my immigration station I saw police officers. I heard "Welcome to America!" I felt surprised how nice they were. To pass through, I had to scan fingerprints, take pictures and interview for three hours. It became difficult when the process felt neverending.

 When I realized we were close to America, I felt excited because I didn't know what to expect. I saw so many planes at the airport and how big the airport was (it was in New York). I heard a lot of commotion (cursing, yelling, loud noises). I couldn't wait to see my dad and older sister who were already here.

When I was traveling on the plane, I saw the atlantic ocean. I heard slang in English. I felt out of place and uncomfortable. I was surprised by how nice the flight attendants were. I was unsure of how to use the bathrooms in the plane. I couldn't wait to stretch my legs.

When I got on the plane I saw my first flight attendant, clouds and sky. I heard a lot of different languages. I felt scared and excited and confused.   I was surprised by how big the plane was. I was unsure of which state I was landing in. I couldn't wait to see city life in Philadelphia.

 We entered America by airplane. Just before leaving Portugal I felt terrified because I was scared of planes and a new language and environment.

 The five things I will bring with me are: my childhood teddy bear necklace my grandmother gave me a rug I made a purse I bought with my own money nossa senhora fatima statue (a Portuguese religious item) I am traveling with my mom, my uncle and my younger sister and younger brother.

  Immigration is when you move to a new country.  Mine was an involuntary immigration as I love Portugal and didn't want to leave but my parents felt there were more opportunities for jobs and education in America and we moved when I was 17 and I didn't have any say in the decision.   We were hoping to find diversity and opportunities in America. When I think about leaving my home country I am feeling sad and scared because I am leaving a place I love that feels like home and I had to leave all of my friends.  I will miss the food, my friends, family and the hospitality there.

  My name is Celia Amaro and I am from Travanca, Portugal. Life in my home country is always entertaining.  I live in a very small rural town and my eight siblings and I raised many animals.  I am the 7th of 9 children. My family is generous, kind and hardworking.   In my free time I like to knit fugs and do crafts.  Sometimes I play candy crush games.