In search of a better

Dear Victoria,

I am write this letter to you to tell about my new life in America. As you already know I came from Italy. And USA is the new universe for me. This journey scared the life out of me and it was great effort for all my family. Three week trip by ship across the Atlantic Ocean was big experience.

We always thought of discrimination and we hoped that this will not happen with us. Immigration was huge culture shock. There were lots of stereotypes about foreigners in America. We did not want animosity to us. But on the Ellis Island, we realized that people here are friendly. We needed to pass health inspection and legal inspection. Unfortunately I had some problems on the legal inspection. I asked to show my passport. I told that my passport was stolen and I need renew my passport. Fortunately on the inspection they received my birth certificate.

Moving from my native country I was just refugee. My family and I had nothing.  We were uprooted from familiar place. There was a lot I had to get accustomed to: food, language, apartment, school, and people. We should get new life out of nothing. We didn`t have much money and my parents tried to look for a job all over the place. 

Despite the difficulties my mom started work as a garment worker and my dad is a newsier.  We rented a small room. We had to sleep in the same bed and had to live with many neighbors. But any way we rough it. Parents soon began to earn more and I was able to go to school. I found new friends. With my friends we like go for a wander around the cobbled streets. 

I still have feelings of nostalgia for the home in Italy, but I should do my bit in American life. 

I know that not all immigrants were able to settle down here, but we are lucky. 

Thank you for your help.
Sincerely yours,
Rosalia