As told by Carmen Ortiz
to Roger
|
I arrived in New York City, United States from Costa Rica on February 1969. I came here on a plane (American Airlines) and it took about 7 hours to get to JFK Airport from Costa Rica. There were many people were traveling on the plane with me but I had no idea who they were and where they were from. I came here to find a new life, and to earn money. My goal was to make enough money to bring the rest of the family to the United States from Costa Rica. |
|
I had heard stories that the United States brought new life and hope to people. My information was not as accurate as I thought it would be, because it wasn't exactly heaven as it was said. My life was a little difficult in the beginning because at first finding a job was pretty hard. The American lifestyle was actually similar to that of Costa Rica's. The only difference was the technology and the tall buildings. I was amazed by the tall the skyscrapers, subway systems and tours. I noticed some not so good qualities such as people living in the streets and the graffiti in the 1960’s and 1970’s. My family has gotten used to this and conditions have improved from then to now. |
|
I decided to stay here because of my job. I also liked some of the people that I met there. I lived in an apartment building on Broadway in Spanish Harlem, Manhattan. At first I did not know anyone in this country. My occupation in Costa Rica was that of house mother/wife. When I came here I became a successful house maid/cleaner. In one way I was sad about leaving my family but on the other hand I knew that I would see them again and that I would get a good job. |
|
Some of the American laws that were different from laws in Costa Rica were that there was more security in some places, and that immigration laws were so strict. I was treated like any other Spanish person immigrating under the U.S. laws because of my Spanish origin and I was able to bring most of my belongings. On June 3, 1969 I brought the rest of my family here. One of the good experiences was that my children were able to attend a good school. And one bad experience was that my kids were sometimes involved in fights with some of the bad children in Harlem. Before I came here, I only knew a couple of words in English like "hello" and good-bye". It took me about 1-2 years speak it perfectly. I go back to Costa Rica almost every year for a month or two to visit the family I left behind. I sometimes think of going back to live in Costa Rica because it is calmer and that is where my family lives. I feel I achieved my goal of 1969 by eventually finding a pretty good job here in Manhattan. |
| Home | Sitemap |
|
|
|
 |