Linda is a parent of one of my friends who was born and raised in Trinidad and Tobago. This was an interview done by phone. She is now currently a nurse in Florida.
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What do you remember about school in Trinidad?
Well I went to an all girls school all the way until college. I remember that I took it very seriously. School was always my priority. And we had competition amongst each other. My classmates and I. But it was mostly friendly, we encouraged each other do to better and envied the girl who did the best. What was your parents' views on learning and education? My parents were very strict about education. It was a priority in my house. My parents did not get to go to universities, so they made it their own goal to make sure that their children did. I was constantly asked about my grades and they checked in on me with my teachers frequently. To make sure that I was performing well and that my behavior was well, too. How old were you when you decided to come to the United States? I decided to come to the United States after secondary school. I had some family already in the States that I was able to stay with while in school. I don't think I would have been able to come up if I didn't have them there for me. Was that a decision you made on your own or were you encouraged or discouraged by peers or family? I was definitely encouraged to do that by my parents. But it wasn't forced. They explained to me what the States had to offer so I eventually wanted for myself what they had wanted for me all along. |
What was the perception of the Unites States that you had in your mind?
I believed it was a place where there was a lot more competition. I assumed their schools were better than ours because the country is rich. I figured I would be less smart or behind the other students in college. What was that like once you got here? Once I got to the states, I realized it wasn't as intimidating as I thought. I was more disciplined with my work. It was easy for me to say to no a party or to drinking or to going out. I stayed focused, and because of that I was able to do better than most of my peers. I did enjoy everything that the university I attended had to offer. And I enjoyed exploring what "America" really was. Are you proud of your success? I am proud of my success. I think that I have a job where I am able to help people out and I am happy about that. And I have some authority around other nurses at the hospital and I think my hard work payed off to earn me this position. Do you think your education plays more of a part in your success than the amount of money you make? Not for most people. I think most people and Americans associate salary with success. The more money you make, the more successful you are. But for me its more than that. I know that I have a good head on my shoulders, and I'm knowledgeable. Money can disappear at any second for any reason, but nobody can take my education from me. |