“I have a different sense of identity that a lot of people aren't as lucky to have”

Story #3

Allyson, 19, first-generation Colombian-American

Interviewed by Lara Werneck & Written by Madeline Humphery

“My dad's grandma told him to come to the U.S. for a better life. And my mother came here because she was in love with my dad who was already here, so where else would she go.” 

Allyson’s parents moved to the United States from Colombia. After getting married in their native country, her mother had to live two years separated from Allyson’s father while waiting for her papers so she could legally migrate to America. Allyson said that her parents faced a vast range of difficulties and fears while immigrating. 

“For my dad I think it was probably the fear of the unknown because he didn't have any money, any connections, no family or friends here in the U.S.,” Allyson said. “He was very scared because he wanted to make a name for himself but was scared that he wouldn’t be the man his mom always wanted him to be.”

As for her mom, Allyson said that overall, she was less anxious than her dad about coming to the U.S., however she possessed some hesitancy towards speaking English. 

“My mom was very fearless for the most part,” Allyson said. “I think the one thing that scared her the most was her lack of english proficiency because since she was poor in Colombia she never really obtained an education nor never got the chance to learn English. She didn’t want to marry my dad just for his papers.” 

Allyson said that the most prominent way migration has changed her family was that it forced her to develop motivation to succeed after observing her parents work tirelessly for their family. 

“The biggest thing was working hard to achieve their goals,” Allyson said. “My parents went through a lot to be able to get to America. If it wasn’t for their experiences, I wouldn’t have such a strong work ethic or determination that I have now today.”

As a child of immigrant parents, Allyson strives to carry on her family’s dreams in America. For example, her mother always wanted to be a healthcare worker, and since she was not able to pursue that career, Allyson’s dreams of becoming a doctor are that much more important to her. 

“I want to make my last name represent what my parents always wanted it to,” Allyson said. “Being a child of an immigrant is different; everything you do is not only for yourself, but for your whole family tree.”

Her family’s migration experience gives Allyson a strong sense of identity. Growing up, she struggled with bullying due to her cultural history, but these hardships have taught her how special it is to be a part of her culture, according to Allyson. 

“I am now equipped to defend my culture and educate others who are uneducated on it,” Allyson said. “It has been hard being a daughter of immigrants but I wouldn’t change it because I have a different sense of identity that a lot of people aren't as lucky to have.”