-
Birth
My name is Lin Ming, and I was born in Hong Kong, China. My mother died during birth, but they saved me just in time. My father was always very stressed out from work, and having to take care of a child by himself. His job wasn't very good, and we were poor. We lived in a very small hut, that was infested with bugs. I never had any toys, either. We left America to create a better life, and a better job. I want to inform others on my journey to America, and what we gained. -
Living with my grandmother
My dad lost his job, again, yesterday. There aren't many opportunities around here, and hes gotten fired many times. That day, he had a heart attack and died right in front of me. The doctors came too late to revive him. I had to pack up the little stuff I had, and live with my grandmother. She owns a small sewing store, which is the only way she earns money. I help her out in the store, and get the tips that the customers give me. There are few people that come, but enough to keep us alive. -
On my own
On this day, my grandmother died. It was a devastating day, because I was very close to her. She taught me many things, and raised me much better than my father. I knew I was on my own now, and had to do what I could to survive. So, I decided with much thought, that I would sell the store she left behind for me. This money could pay for the journey over to America, so I could start a new life. China didn't offer me anything anymore. I needed to leave for my sake. There would be more jobs. -
Departing
I packed up all my belongings, and prepared for the 2 weeks of sailing to America. I wasn't sure what to expect, and was worried what I'd encounter. I had few friends that were also crazy enought to go on this journey with me. However, they died on the ship from diseases that spread. There wasn't much to eat, and it was very crowded. I worried much about being sent back to China. You have to pass physical examination, so I tried my best to remain healthy. -
Arriving at Angel Island
The first sight we saw was the Statue of Liberty. It erupted cheers on the ship. I waited for many days until I got my examination. I prayed that I wouldn't get deported after my efforts to get here. I felt like the officers would glare at me, and think of me as much different than I am. As if I was an alien, and I was never treated kindly. I finally passed examination, which overjoyed me. -
San Francisco
Life has been difficult here. I face much discrimination, because I am chinese. People glare at me when I work on the railroads. I work lower wages, and the Americans think we are monopolizing jobs as a result. I soon left my job, because many people were prejudice, and I felt hated on. There were many restrictions on jobs chinese could get. So, I opened up a restaurant instead. I had experience with this, so my buisness boomed.
