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I'm born in the Philipines
I was born as an only child, and had a very poor family. As I got older I realized that my parents needed my help. The way I helped was to commit crimes. I was wanted by the country, when I was 15 and my parents wanted me to leave the country to keep me safe. I thought this was a great idea so I could start out new. This is the reasons as to why I want people to know my life to hear my experiences as an immigrant. -
In the Immigration Station
When waiting in line people are shoving and getting rowdy and I have to keep myself from screaming. I have to keep from drawing attention to myself. Then it is finally my turn for the examination. The person tells me to stand still so they can swab my eye lid for disease. I passed and right when I thought I was done the man tells me I have to take my clothing off in front of everyone. I feel embarrassed and it didn't help that there was a big crowd of people in front of me. -
Arrival into Angel Island
I have been on this dirty boat for about a month. I can't hold my excitement in when I think about my new life of a clean record that I can have. I've had a disguise on so people wouldn't recognize me just in case they would take me back. I finally can see land and a sudden rush of people crowd one side of the boat. I can see the station and I just want to jump off the boat to get there faster. -
Gold and Silver found in the Mountians of Colorado
I heard from someone that they had found gold and silver in Colorado. I needed a way to get money so I set out for Colorado. I get there and I wasn't the only one that thought it was a good idea to give up everything. I wish there was a way for me to find more gold or silver. I see people so happy when they find something and I have found nothing. This is a big disappointment and there are no nice people because they’re overrun by greediness. -
The start of the Transcontinental railroad in Sacramento
The next job I take is building the transcontinental railroad. I have no experience for railroad building but that's okay. I have been trying to figure out a way to get out of California and this is what I need. I know this is a dangerous job with explosives. This is right up my job preference, and it challenges me. There are thousands of workers and I'm working with about 4 others. -
Building in the Sierra Nevada Mountians
It has been four years since I've started working on the railroad. I just have to keep my mind on the work because one stupid mistake my life is taken. Most guys I've seen have been drunk on the job and have killed themselves and others. I get in fights with other workers when they make fun of the way I talk. I get so mad that I can't hold myself from getting mad. I just can't wait till we hit flatter ground. Working in the mountains is really hard work because there are natural explosives.
