“I used to say to myself: you are Hispanic, and you are amazing. I am loved, I am good, I am proud of who I am and I am going to do this.”

Story 36, Yessy Feliz, first-generation immigrant from Dominican Republic

Interview conducted & story written by Amanda Wu

Edited by Veronica Deckard

Born in the Dominican Republic, Yessy Feliz migrated to America with her mom and sister at 13-year-old. She settled in Boston upon arrival. Later, she opened up a pet store in Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts. 

“You may look different on the outside,” Feliz said. “You may have a different skin color, different eye color, and different hair texture. But at the end of the day, you breathe just like me, and you have the struggles just like me.” 

At first, Feliz experienced culture shock in America. She left behind everything she knew in the Dominican Republic. But later, Feliz said, “coming to the U.S. helped me grow as a person.” 

When she arrived in America, she did not speak English. She knew no one except for her mom and her sister. 

“It was difficult for me to connect,” Feliz said. “It was a totally different culture from what I was used to in my country.” 

It took almost three years for young Feliz to learn the language, adapt to the environment and start to make friends. 

“It’s not as easy as people think that you will just adjust and you will be okay,” Feliz said. “There’s too much emotionally, mentally, and physically involved.” 

Feliz’s mom immigrated to the U.S. to create better opportunities for their family. Before bringing young Feliz and her sister to America, Feliz’s mom spent two years alone in America working to obtain the legal paperwork and save money. 

After decades, Feliz said she now understands how hard it was when her mom first migrated. As a mom, Feliz couldn’t imagine being separated from her kids. She expressed her sadness as she recalled her mom working alone in America while struggling to bring her family here. 

Feliz experienced instability, language barriers and cultural gaps in her early years in America.  Yet, someone was always there to help her down the road. 

At school, teachers provided guidance. From school activities, Feliz learned to connect with people. Her big sister introduced her to American society, and her ESO teachers helped her build language skills. Under mentorships and understanding, Feliz grew up with love from her community. 

“The country has given me the opportunity to grow as a person, learn from others and experience things you will never forget,” Feliz said. 

Immigration gave Feliz a chance to see the world and build cross-cultural relationships. “Diversity creates an atmosphere of enjoyment,” she said. “My opportunity to share thoughts, laughs and sadness with people from so many countries is amazing.” 

Ultimately, Feliz’s immigration experience shaped her values. 

“I wouldn’t be the same person if I grew up in my country,” Feliz said. “The opportunity my mom gave me is an important part of who I become, what’s valuable to me, and what’s valuable in society.”

Nonetheless, immigration was never an easy journey, but what didn’t defeat Feliz made her stronger. 

“You go through the process of hurt, loneliness, despair, and frustration. Then your attitude changes to an attitude of success,” Feliz said. “Whatever you face here, the good or the bad, is going to make you stronger. Every experience has a reason for it.” 

As Feliz overcame barriers during her migration to America, she found out this was not the life she yearned for. 

“I will look at myself in the mirror, and I will cry,” Feliz said. “I want to go back. I don’t want to be here.” 

Given the existing and pervasive social inequalities in the U.S. Feliz would prefer to migrate elsewhere. 

Ready to help immigrants in similar positions, Feliz appealed for improvements in the social support system. 

“We need more empathy, communication and understanding,” Feliz said. “We have to support each other regardless of where we come from. It’s the only way we can change this country.” 

“I used to say to myself: you are Hispanic, and you are amazing.” Feliz said. “I am loved, I am good, I am proud of who I am and I am going to do this.”