Becoming American: Teenagers and Immigration

I left Mexico seven years ago, but the last two years have been the most difficult for me. I have been without my mother. She returned to our native country because she is sick and wants to be treated by doctors who speak her language. My mother was my best friend, and I’ve always looked up to her. Sometimes without her, it’s very difficult for me to keep going in the right direction. My father tries to be understanding, but I’m often lonely. I’ve always thought it was harder for women than men to adjust to a new country.

—Jhosett Tejeda (left), age 18

In Moscow, I lived in a building made of gray cement that was two blocks long. All five of us lived in a one-bedroom apartment. It still surprises me how we did live. But if a family lives like this and still becomes one, then it is so strong that the family can handle a lot. That’s why the first year of immigration was not as hard as I thought it would be. But learning English was difficult. I remember the embarrassments, the struggles, my teacher’s patience. It was worth it. There is no rose without the thorns.

—Sergey Morozov, age 18