When I immigrated to the United States from Mexico, everything was different. I hated it because I felt like I was in the wrong place. However, I had to face life and raise two kids; I didn’t have a choice, and I had to make it happen. So… I did.
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I learned the language, slowly but surely. I would ask a bunch of questions to my two kids to improve my English. However, I would always look at the bright side. After doing so, I discovered that this country was the best thing that could happen to me; my kids were doing well, and they were happy. Also, I can see their future.
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Through the years I’ve been feeling lucky, fortunate, and grateful to have taken the chance. Life brought me to Portland, and I discovered a couple of things. Something I like about Portland is that people are more open-minded, simple, practical, and happy people. I have found some of my best friends in Oregon. For example, the people here are the most friendly and welcoming folks I have ever met. They have embraced me, and I feel that I am part of this community, state, or whatever you want to call it.
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I never intended or thought I would move to Oregon; I had lived in California for the past 9 years, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. When my family and I moved to Roseburg, OR for personal matters, I went through some really hard times. And, moving to Portland was the right move to make and it was the right time to do it. I have been here for 5 years, and I can’t really say that I love Portland, but I really like it. I always get a good vibe about it. The opportunities I’ve been given has been making me grow as a person; the sky is the limit, but who knows?