From The Peopling of New York City
Contents |
David
The first person we interviewed is a 19-year-old male. His name is David. He told us about his immigration experience from Albanian to America. He came with his family- mother, father, and two older brothers. They left everything they had in Albania to come to America for a better life. They had hope that America was a better place for them to live because David’s aunt was here and she and her family were living well. David left his hometown of Shkoder, Albania for many reasons. One reason was economic problems the country was facing. There was a great deal of economic decay and his family was struggling to survive. Everybody was loosing money and looting from the government. There was no control. David lived on a farm where his mother and father worked with the animals. David and his two brothers helped their parents on the farm, but they had very little possessions. David and his family’s journey to America was a long and arduous one. They travelled by foot mostly, boats, and train. They brought basically nothing with them because they had to carry everything. He remembers wearing layers of clothes instead of carrying them. The family had to stick together and be vey careful as they escaped from this country and were considered fugitives. During their flight, they travelled from Albania to Yugoslavia, Turkey, Cuba, Mexico, and crossed the boarder into Texas. David recalls that although this was scary and extremely tiring, as they had to keep moving and took little time to rest or even eat, he says that it was actually enlightening to see all of these places he had never been to before. Now David has been living in Staten Island for 11 years and living the life he always wished for in Albania. He goes to college and has a good job and is every happy with his life in America.
Alisa
The second person we interviewed is a 18-year-old female names Alisa. Alisa told us about her immigration experience from Albania as well. Although Alisa is Albanian, she was born in Yugoslavia. When Alisa was a year old her family immigrated to America. She has no recollection of her journey to America, but her parents always tell her stories about it. She said they came to America because her parents weren’t making a lot of money in Albania. Her father worked on his father’s farm and her mother stayed home and took care of Alisa and her two brothers. Her mother, however, wanted to work and help make money. Her parents always dreamed of having a big house filled with happiness and family. They wanted their children to go to college and become successful with their lives. They pushed their children to become the best they can be no matter what; however, by living in Albania, there weren’t many opportunities for this. Alisa said when she came to Staten Island they lived in a small one room apartment on top of a nail salon. Her family worked hard to get jobs and make money. Today, Alisa’s family is doing well. They live in the big house they always wanted and she is going to college to become a doctor. Alisa said her family still goes back to Albania on vacation because they will always love their homeland but they appreciate and are extremely grateful for all of the opportunities and experiences in America.
Susanna
The third person we interviewed is Susanna. She is a thirty-nine year old immigrant from Berat, Albania. Susanna recalls, “I came here with my husband Ken, when I was twenty, just two years after I had been married. Our experience was long, difficult, and very emotional. I’m sorry but it is just too personal to give too many details.” Susanna and Ken faced economic hardships in Albania. Because of all the fighting within the Albanian government, the job that Ken had was closed down. Susanna and Ken weren’t making a lot of money. They were poor and wanted a better life. Susanna also explained, “I wanted to have children, but I would not let them be born in Albania. I wanted a better life for them- filled with opportunity, richness, and happiness.” Susanna hated her status in Albania. Susanna, her mother, and her sisters only had a high-school education. Susanna said, “Women in Albania are often treated as property of their fathers, brothers, and husbands. Sometimes they cannot continue school or work. I did not want to be like the other women of my family.” Susanna wanted to be more than a stay at home mom. She wanted to go to school and become an elementary teacher. She wanted to have benefits and a good salary. Two years after immigrating to America, Susanna had her first child. When her daughter was five she began school at the College of Staten Island. She graduated as an education major and now teaches the third grade. Susanna recalls, “I have always told my children to strive for the stars- they can be anything they want. In America this is possible. I do still love Albania. I was born there and my family is there, therefore, a piece of my heart will always be there as well.” Susanna and her family frequently travel to Albania for summer vacations, weddings, or just to visit relatives. She told us, “We are Americanized but there will always be some Albanian customs and traditions in our lives.”