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My Birth
I imigrated from Ireland. I was living in terrible poverty and could barely get by anymore. There were six kids in my family,I was the youngest. Some of my family had imigrated a couple of years ago, and they said the love it here in America. The rest of my family wanted to join them in America. The trip over was not very enjoyable. Long weeks of rocking back and forth on a boat got old. Unfortunatly, my brother died on the way,but the rest of us survived the horific voyage. I'm glad to be here. -
Learning the English Language
I came here to America knowing no English at all. As I went to the inspection, one of the areas I had to do was know a certain amount of the laguage. (Just the basics) It was hard, because I knew Irish and had been speaking it for the past 15 years of my life. It was hard to learn the language but I was glad we were required to do it, because I can actually communicate with people. Learning the language was bitter sweet. -
Seeing the Statue of Liberty
When I first saw the Statue of Liberty I was blown away. I had heard of this big statue from my family that came over before, but I never imagined it would be this huge, and amazing. I was very excited to see this big statue after hearing so much about it. It was most deffinantly worth the wait. I was barely surviving on the boat after my brother passed away, and this is what gave me the little life to push through inspection. It was a very nice welcoming to America. -
Trying to get a Job
I am now old enough that I feel comfortable enough that I will be able to hold a job interveiw. I know enough English to be able to answer any questions nessisary. I tried to find a wealthy Irish imagrant to get a job from because they would be able to relate to my situation better, I foung a factory worker about 10 minutes from where I live. I got the job and I love it. It isn't the best job and very risky, but i'm able to help my family with their needs and all I want is my family to be happy. -
When my factory burnt down
The manager threw away his cigeret in the trash can and that's when things really went down hill. There was only one elvator in the building , becasue they were just being built. Since we over-cram everyone on each floor it took forever to get everyone out. We had to leave everything behind, because there we could get that stuff back, but if we died you obviously can't get your life back. It was a devistating day. I soon found a new job at another factory, but I will always hold those memories. -
Trying to get the rest of my family to come to America
I felt incomplete wihtout my whole family here. I wanted them to all have a good life and be able to experience something other than poverty. It was hard to convince them that it was worth the voyage after them hearing of my brothers death. They eventually gave in and none of them died, just a couple illnesses along the way. It was amazing to get to see them at last. Everyone looks so different and grown up. I'm glad that me and my family can l live happily together.
