Decisions and Changes

Decisions and Changes

The scientific view is that humans can adapt to any kind of environment. They can survive in tropical or cold climates, and learn different cultures and traditions.

When I was young, I wanted to study in the capital of my country Peru, but my parents did not have money to pay for the housing, food and other expenses. It was in this moment I thought, “This is the last time that the money will stop me or stop my dreams”. I stayed in my city and I studied very hard. When I finished my undergraduate degree, I told myself again, “This is time to continue my goals”.

One of my dreams was to live in another country, learn new cultures, more languages, and see interesting places. However, at the same time I wanted to continue my education. I think education give you freedom. I chose to study in Brazil, because it is a neighboring country from Peru and the language (Portuguese) is similar to Spanish.

I studied Portuguese two hour per day. I took the language test and the knowledge test to get a scholarship and earn my master’s degree. I learned that if you want something, you need follow your goal.

During the time I lived in Brazil I visited: the Atlantic Ocean, an island paradise called “Ilha Bonita”; tourist places such as the Corcovado Christ statue, and Rio de Janeiro which is nick named "Marvelous city" with the peak of “Pão de Açucar”. I had an opportunity to know the real significance of Brazil´s carnival season and I participated in it. I experienced eating delicious typical dishes. I learned about the main holidays of Brazil including the Day of the Flag which is like America’s 4th of July. I learned about colonization and migrant peoples.

One day, my husband said to me, “I got a new job! What do you think? Do you want to move to another country?”

I said, “Yes! Let’s go”. This new country was the Unites States of America.

When we arrived in the USA everything was new for us. It was exciting. I was going to learn a new culture, see places and have a new life style again. We arrived in August and quickly autumn was coming.

I had never seen the autumn with the wonderful colors of leaves as they fall. I ate a lot of products made from pumpkins. I learned about a traditional holiday, Thanksgiving, and why the people eat turkey. For the first time in my life, I saw snow and my daughter had the opportunity to play in it. Another thing I learned was to drive a car. It was my first time! I am so glad for that.

When I started to talk with other people, they told me about the ABLE program. It was amazing for me and my daughter. She could learn English too and be taken care of by gentle and experienced teachers. I am so glad for this opportunity. I think the best part is every day I learn some new words and pronunciation. My daughter and I have been in the ABLE program for six month and we can see the progress.

My daughter is four years old and has lived in three different countries. My family back in Peru believes it is sad and bad for her to change her house, school, room toys… but I think it is not too bad. I think she is learning that the house and toys are only material things. What is most important is we are together as a family and we love her. My daughter´s brain is learning new places, new languages, new foods and I want her to grow up being a thinking girl.

We are satisfied with everything have we learned, with the people we met, and with the places that we have had the opportunity to know. We truly are able to adapt to new circumstances.