A typical day for Mr. Gomez is exactly like this one, just the right amount of customers. He works in a Deli on Jackson Height/ Roosevelt Avenue, something that he describes as “too noisy!” Mr. Gomez came from Ecuador back in 1994, because his uncle kept calling him here to help out with his business. “You know, I think that it is a vary big business! That when I come here, I will be a manager. I don’t want to be no farmer! That’s what I would have done if I stayed back in Ecuador. Become a farmer.” Acting upon the opportunity given to him to make his life a little better, Mr. Gomez did not hesitate to pack his bags and hop on the airplane and come here, of course after being sponsored by his uncle. Continue reading Slow is mainstream
Hilda Chiquito: The Opportunity Costs of Life in New York City
Hilda Chiquito, a petite woman with a dazzling smile, works as an accountant for MRY. Having immigrated to the United States at nineteen with her mom and her two brothers from Manabí, Ecuador, her life changed drastically after settling into New York City. The decision for her to come to the United States was not one she made her own, “the decision was made for me”.
Continue reading Hilda Chiquito: The Opportunity Costs of Life in New York City
Miguel Lebron’s Interview as told to Lisa Ng
Prior to arriving to the United States, Miguel Lebron lived a comfortable life working as a supervisor in an accounting firm. However, when his children started growing up, he decided to move himself and his family to New York, where they would be exposed to better opportunities and lead a better life.
Continue reading Miguel Lebron’s Interview as told to Lisa Ng
Fred Rodriguez’s Interview as told to Neha Gupta
Flying over the border from Mexico to the United States in his mother’s lap at the age of one, Fred was too young to understand just how much a journey of a few miles would affect the rest of his life. Having grown up in America almost his entire life, he has the benefit of fitting right into American society. However, the ropes that tie him back to Mexico are still taut and he feels their tug constantly.
Continue reading Fred Rodriguez’s Interview as told to Neha Gupta
From Fresh Fish Cutter to Loving Father
Chop. Chop. Splat.
The sound of meat and fish being cut and passed back and forth fills the room for 10 hours of his day. The beckoning of customers, poking holes through this blanket of sounds, asking for two pounds of fish or three of pork. “Can I have that fish? And can you clean the scales and cut it into four?”
Splat. Scrape. Scrape
