Hannah A – Pathways NYC Writers

Interview w/Tamara
4/22/19

1. Where did you grow up?
Tamara
I grew up in Santiago, Chile.
Dora
I grew up in Poland.
2. Why did you come to the United States?
Tamara
My stepfather was accepted to a Master’s program at Brandeis University. He, my mom, and I moved to Waltham, Massachusetts.
Dora
I won green card in lottery.
3. How old were you when you moved?

Tamara
I was only 6 years old!
Dora
I was 22 years old.

4. What year was it?
Tamara
It was 1989.
Dora
It was 2004.
5. What language did you speak there?
Tamara:Spanish
Dora: Polish

5. How is life in Chile different from here?
Tamara:The biggest difference is that there is less cultural diversity in Chile than in New York.
Dora:
I came to USA alone my whole family stays back at Poland so I start my independent adult life here.
In USA i was able to meet people from different countries and cultures that is so different than life in Poland.

6. How did you feel when you moved here?
Tamara:
I felt excited but a little confused. I didn’t speak English yet, so it was difficult at first. But 6 months later, I had learned English and was very happy to be here!
Dora: Similar to Tamara i didn’t speak english i took me much longer then her to learn and till today i don’t speak well.
So on the beginning i felt like deaf person i didn’t understand anybody but i was definitely happy to be here and full of hopes for better future.