My picture is of boxes decorated by myself using a technique called Pinceladas. This is a common craft in Colombia for decorating furniture, clothing and walls.  I took classes and decorated boxes when my children were in school. My family helped me sell them. I also made cupcakes. When my children were teenagers I went to university to study Human talent management, I had jobs in human resources in several companies. My last job was in an oil company. During the oil crisis I lost my job. Many people could not find employment. My husband divorced me and I was responsible for two children. My sister Nubia, who had lived in the U.S. for fifteen years suggested I come to America where I could find a job.  Without English I could not get as good job as I had in Colombia but I could get a job. My first job was as a dishwasher. Since then, I have worked as a housekeeper. Since I arrived I have been studying English through LitNet and before at BCC. My goal is to start my own business selling decorated objects for interior decorators.  Everything is new and different here - friends, place and language. Most of my experiences here are good but leaving my close-knit family behind is my greatest sadness.

– Martha Rodriguez

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant