All Are Welcome: Jessica's Story

Country of origin?
Peru

Why did you leave Peru?
Our family started to be extorted and threatened with death by foreign criminal organization and we had to escape the country to save our lives.

Did you come to the U.S. by yourself?
I have come with my husband and two children.

Did you have family in the U.S. already?
Yes. I have two aunts and an uncle, but I do not have anyone in NY, and my husband does not have family in U.S.

What has the journey to NYC been like?
It has been very difficult because we have had to start a new life in a new city where we do not know anyone, the language is different, and do not have jobs.

How did you find out about the Y? How has the Y helped you on your journey?
My children are competitive swimmers, and my husband and I wanted them to continue doing this sport that they love so much. Two months after we arrived in NYC, I looked for a swim team and searched Google, which brought me to the Y.

After some time at the Jamaica Y, the Aquatics Director recommended the Flushing Y because there was a swim team. Axel and Alexa had their try-outs and were accepted to the Flushing Flyers Swim Team. I also found out about the New Americans Initiative (NAI) English and job training classes. My husband and I registered and started attending both.

We have also been able to get help finding legal advice, NY ID, food assistance, health insurance, and we continue to receive support. We are truly grateful to the Y.

What has been the most difficult part about the transition to a new country?
The language and finding a job were the difficult parts of our transition.

What do you miss most about Peru?
My family (my parents, my brother and my sister) because we are very close, and I had never been away from them for so long. Sometimes I feel very sad because I do not know when I will have the opportunity to see them again. On the other hand, I also miss my Peruvian food. It's true, I can find ingredients here, but it's not the same.

What do you like most about NYC?
It is a city that allows you to meet people from different countries, with different traditions or customs. It is a city that has many tourist places such as museums and parks where you can go spend the day with your family and share beautiful moments.

What are you most looking forward to now?
Get my employment authorization so I can start working and generate income for my family.

Is there anything you’d like to say to other new immigrants in NYC?
Yes... NYC can give you many opportunities to achieve your goals, but it is very important that immigrants know that they have to comply with the laws of the city. Also, that nothing is impossible. Do not lose faith. Work hard to achieve your dreams.

Is there anything else that is especially important for us to tell New Yorkers about immigrants and stories like yours?
That they come with personal and work projects, so that they can contribute to social, cultural, and economic growth in NYC.