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New Life in America
I was nine when the communist civil war in China destroyed many villages and my village was one of them. We were forced to escape to Formosa (Taiwan) and we settled there until I was 18 to immigrate to America because we had heard of free land and more job opportunities. I was leaving on a small boat thinking about having to leave behind my parents and brother. I promised them that I would send letters to tell them how America is like and hopefully bring them over too. -
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Immigration Timespan
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Held on Angel Island
I finally arrived on the island! The boat ride took a couple of months but I think that it will be well worth it in America.I could see from the distance that there was a giant builiding with a dock in the front. When I got off the dock of Angel Island, it was complete chaos. There were lines extending out the door for the process everyone has to go through to get through. I had to wait for almost the whole day but, I was starting to feel sick and they quarentined me. -
Sleeping on the Street
I finally got out of Angel Island and into San Francisco. Turns out I had a fever from the winted cold while inside the building and I was held for a couple weeks. But now, I can finally live the dream! I had a good friend in San Francisco who helped me find a good apartment for me and once I got my keys to the house, I left to find a job. When I got home from the job searching, I was suddenly jumped by a group of Americans. They were taking my suitcase and even my keys to my house! -
Sleeping on the Street
I had spent the night on the sidewalk after the Americans had jumped me. I think about if I should move back to Taiwan and China but no, its too late now. I have nothing now and nowhere to stay and sleep so I made a sign and in my best English tried to write: Please Help.. The sign looked like "Peas Hep". I was standing there on the sidewalk holding the sign until a nice Chinese guy came by and told me that he can provide for me for a few nights and help me get back on my feet. -
First Job in America
A few weeks passed since I've been jumped but I finally found my first job in the U.S! After a major setback, I couldn't believe that this dream is truly real and even if the job is very low pay, I was still willing to take the job. I was going to work everyday as a factory worker in one of the newer factories in town. -
Labor Work
One of the main reasons why I wanted to move was to work on the transcontienal reilroad and be a contributor to it. I have already worked 3 years in the factory and I was getting sick and tired of it and I was actually sort of glad that the arsonist came and wrecked the factory. The railroad job actually looks somwhat fun and is a job that will challenge myself to work harder. -
Finally Finished!
I have been working on the transcontinental railroad folr almost 5 years but we've now finally finished it! When we got our final paycheck, many people looked very confused and wondering what would happen next?. But now I also find myself asking, what will I do now? -
Racism
A law that was passed by the government to exclude any Chinese from immigrating to the U.S. I wasn't very surprised that this law was passed because I knew that there was already a lot of racism from American's and other races. I had witnessed and seen schools that were separated between the Chinese and the natives. -
The Worst Moment
After working in the railroad, I was minding my own buisness and looking for a new job when a sudden rumble from the floor starting going. I was running as fast as I can go to get to my brother's work place at the factory. I knew exactly what was going on: Earthquake. As I got there, the factory was already toppled over and engulfed in flames. I kept running around looking for my brother who had just got here only a month ago. I eventually gave up and mourned him all day long.. -
Translating English To Mandarin
4 years after my brother's death, I find myself having another job but now for higher pay and me having to wear a buisness suit everyday. I had started working as a translator for some government officials so that they could work with the Chinese to discuss things. My pay was significantly increased and my work hours were shorter and less harmful. -
Retirement
On December 24, 1914 I retired from my job and everything.I'm very old now but I think I've lived a great life in America and I'm stuck in a wheelchair from all the pain and suffereing I endured on the railroad project. But, I will never forgot my journey to get here and actually stay alive in America and be sucessful. I now live with my wife and two children who are in college.
