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Birthday
My name is Tencha Kwani and I was born in China. The beginning of my life was great. I was a spoiled child getting everything I wanted. Then both my parents died and I was living on the streets. From a young age I learned to fend for myself. Still, I wanted a better life. When I turned 16 I decided I would leave China to go to America to work on the railroads. Moving to America, I hoped to gain a better life for myself and to make some money. I am writing this to show you what my life was like. -
Working to Leave
When I turned 17 I got many jobs to earn money so I could get to America. The days that I didn’t have a job I planned how I would get to America. The days I did have jobs I would do things like fix people’s homes like a handy-man. The people would pay me to fix their stairs to their houses or tend to their gardens. The pay wasn’t too good but it was money. The rate that I was getting money I figured I would be about 18 before I had enough money to leave. I couldn’t wait! -
Leaving China
It took a little while longer than I expected but I had enough money to leave China. I took all of my stuff, which were few, then I went to find a ship to take me to America . When I finally found one it was a small traders ship but they said they would take me for a price less than what the other ships would so I agreed and gave them my money. Later they told me it would take a week longer than any other ship. I didnt mind though because I already missed China. Finally in June we took off. -
Arriving at Angel Island
Angle IslandFinally, after 3 weeks we arrived at Angel Island. When I got there they went through some procedures. First, when I got in the building, doctors examined me four five minutes. Then, after that was done, I got to exchange my Chinese money for American dollars. Then I was given the offer to send letters to anyone in China or America but there was no one to send word to. Finally I was given the offer to spend the night in their quarters. I accepted. -
The TCRR
TCRR I finally got a job in America. This job is to work on a railroad. The railroad that I will be working on is called the "Transcontinental Railroad." Most of the workers where I will be at are Chinese so I will be able to communicate well here. I already have a friend who shows me how things work and all the things I have to do for my job. I think life will get better because of my new job working on this Transcontinental Railroad. -
Going Home
Working on the railroad is harder than I ever expected. The money we get isn't worth risking our lives. So many people have died working this job and I will not be the next. I decided I will be going back to my home. Back to China. I have enough money to get there and then some more money to get me back on my feet. Maybe in China I will get a new easier job and a home. All I know is that I am leaving America and that once this job is over life will get so much easier.
