The Story of Immigration

By Maria Yildiz

“When I was a boy, I wanted to be a soccer player. But yeah, barber, I like. I like being barber. It's good. It’s a good job.”

Marshka: Dad, how did you get to America?

Dad: I took airplane from Russia to America. First, we had to do a study for tests. I did do study for test. We had to learn about George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and the Declaration of Independence. It took a long time. It took a long time. When we got here, first, no English. I didn't know English. It took time to learn. I had to go to these classes. After I got these classes for English, it took a while for me to get job. First, I was taxi driver. I still do it today, and… it took a very long time. That's all I have to say, really.

Marshka: How did you feel during your journey?

Dad: I felt pretty… it was pretty bad. It took like ten hours to get here, more, maybe. It took very long time. There was no racism, but it was just hard getting established in America. Yeah, the journey was hard. The journey was hard. To get to where I am today, it was hard, learning English, getting off welfare, having you, it was hard.

Marshka: How is your life in America now?

Dad: I mean, it's pretty good. I would say, [foreign language 00:01:20]. I have daughter. I have two daughter, three daughters, a son. It's good. It's good. I'm barber. I would say it's a good life.

Marshka: Is this your dream?

Dad: To be barber? I mean, it's a profession I enjoy. When I was a boy, I wanted to be a soccer player. But yeah, barber, I like. I like being barber. It's good. It's a good job.

Marshka: Okay. Bye, Dad.

Dad: Bye. I love you, Marshka.