February 2021 Student Spotlight: Isabel Torres
Isabel was born in Rochester, New York, and her mom took her to Puerto Rico when she was 11 months old. Basically, she grew up in Puerto Rico. She has been here in Rochester for about four years now. She lives with her mom and plans to study Rad Tech (Radiologic Technology) at MCC.
The Day I Came to the United States
Paulo Coelho stated that, “If you’re brave enough to say goodbye, life will reward you with a new hello.” I saw this day so far away, but it came so fast. I did not want to leave, but it was meant for us to leave. As soon as I heard United States, I knew it was the day I would never forget.
It all began in summer. I was playing outside kicking ball in a sunny and hot day with my neighbors when I heard my mom calling me from the balcony of my grandparents’ house. I went quickly to check why she was calling me. When I headed towards the front door, I saw my mom so happy, but at the same time so depressed by the way she lowered her head and did not look at me in my eyes. I knew something was going on. Usually, my mom is always smiling and so positive. She told me, “Can you sit next to me please. I want to tell you something.” As she started talking with tears in her eyes, I knew she was hiding something from me, and she finally wanted to shout it out. When she whispered in my ear, “We are going to the United States,” my heart dropped. I felt so sad as a motherless puppy. I could not believe we were going to leave our hometown in Puerto Rico. I had so many joyful memories that I did not want to leave.
The same day later in the afternoon, my mom decided to talk with my grandparents. They did not have any idea that we were going to leave in couple of days. My grandparents were heartbroken after listening my mom’s decision. I kept saying to my mom, “I don’t want to leave them.” I started thinking that she did not tell me because she knew I did not want to go to United States. Also, she did not tell my grandparents since my grandmother has emotional high blood pressure. My mom was doing what was best for us. I was 15 years old I could not decide for my own.
I did not understand why she wanted to move to the United States, but the next day I eavesdropped on her conversation on the phone with one of her sisters. I was hiding in her huge, colorful, and organized closet. She was standing in the doorway of her old-fashioned room when I barely heard, “I want my daughter to have a better education, learn English, and attend to college, so she can have a good job in the future.” When I was laying down in my bed, I could not go to sleep. I was so angry and mad at the fact that she did not discuss any of this with me before.
The next day after I ate breakfast, I decided to go for a walk to think and relax my stress. As I was walking, one thing came up to my mind. How was I going to leave my grandparents, the persons who gave me everything since I was a baby? Suddenly an old lady like my great-grandmother with soft, short, platinum hair dressed in a long white dress tapped me on my back and stated, “Young girl, remember that God has a purpose for everything.” I gazed at her, gave her a big smile and when I was going to respond to her, she was not there anymore. I felt relieved and believed she was a beautiful angel who was giving me a sign. When I came back home, happy as a kid in a toy store, my family was impressed. I screamed, “God’s words touched my heart and led me to understand that this is not a goodbye but a see you later.” We started to enjoy every second of the last two days we had left.
The night before our flight, my mom and I spent three hours packing. It was 9:30pm when we said goodbye to my grandparents since they always go to bed around that time. I was wondering how people feel when they are in an airplane. Are they scared, anxious, excited? It was my first time being on a plane. I was a little nervous when we went inside the airplane to take our assigned seats.
After five hours, we finally landed at our destination. I heard a loud voice said, “Welcome to Rochester New York,” and everybody clapped with enthusiasm. I stared at everybody and asked myself, “Why they are clapping?” and I started laughing. My youngest aunt Yolanda was waiting for us in the parking lot.
It has been four years and I am so grateful for everything God did for me. I graduated from the Gates Chili High School after repeating grade 11 twice to improve my English for senior year. Now I am currently working part time and studying at the same time. When I have vacations, mostly in summer, I go and visit my grandparents for a few weeks. With what I earn working, I have the privilege to help my mom and send money to my grandparents. I finally have adapted to being in United States, but I still miss my hometown and grandparents.
ESOL Voices is a collection of stories written by ESOL students at Monroe Community College. This publication highlights our MCC students who come from all over the world. Look for new stories in the Tribune. We hope you enjoy our students’ stories as much as we do.
Katie Leite & Pamela Fornieri, ESOL Program, February 2021