Rudy’s Collage Project

This image represents me as a child. Being held by my Dad, being born in a
beautiful country: Venezuela; full of life, color, culture, food, people
and hoping for a great future. He was probably thinking, we’ll be Ok son;
let’s start this journey together.

This image represents, the transition my country was going through back in
1989.  Doors of job opportunities declined, political confrontations,
serious poverty and no medical benefits. Making through the day, trying
to have three course meals was basically  something that my parents wanted
to have for my sister and I; but did it happen? Probably not. The struggle
was real. I remember seeing my mother crying in the kitchen once because
we had no food to eat. I also remember a neighbor bringing a bag of potatoes
as a gift for the house along with cilantro and carrots to make a yummy soup
Mother was very grateful.

Wondering what was going to my parents minds? The opportunity of leaving
Venezuela came along and they decided among themselves to leave everything
behind and move forward by starting fresh. A new country, new culture and
new language. This picture represents my mother’s best friend: Lenny
Rodriguez. She opened the gate of opportunities for us to come and make
our family dreams come true. At this point my sister and I were thinking
totally different; perhaps a long and well deserved vacation.

We left. Hopped on an airplane and came to United States of America.
This picture does not represents American Airlines but it represents the
journey that started with four people, two bags and $200 in my parent’s
pockets.  The image also represents the airport; JFK at its worse back
then. Under construction, loud and overcrowded. It felt a bit weird. I’m
sure my sister and I were thinking, Hmmm; we should get out of here and
get to the Statue of Liberty as promised.

Reality hit hard when we found out that we were staying for good. Leaving
friends, family and belongings behind us. This picture represents me.  
Angry? Lost? Confused? Notice the boat in the back; that was my plane going
back home and I wasn't in it. Bye, bye plane. At the age of 12; I was
pretty much scared; yet happy to see a new playground to play at.   
I accepted it.

The cat is not my sister, she is not that bad looking. I am totally ready
in this pic to check out my new home. WOW! It is big. Tons of cars, people,
buildings and more. There is one thing though, I can’t understand what
anyone is saying? Why? This is crazy.

Mom says: Well kids, you better study hard and learn English. This is going
to be your second language.

Me: oh man.

Are you Hispanic? Latino? Where are you from? Many questions were asked,
our Mickey Mouse trip did not happen. It became more a parody of situations
where we were basically exposed to fight to be understood and accepted. Mom
always said: “Head High” you are smart, you must go on. I did, I got the
situation under control. Confronted my demons; learned the language,
graduated from High School and got my first job as a Pizza Hut employee.
Making $5.00 per hour. (This was normal back in 1989.) The above picture
also represents the confusion of immigration identity. Was I Latino white?
Latino Black? Brown? Oh well, it got complicated. Everyone sees a person of
color differently; even today.

The above represents my family.  I do look like my father a lot, no doubt.
My family has been very close and has been always loving to one on other.
They are always making sure we are all financially stable, happy and
comfortably sleeping at night.  My parents have been married for 50 years now.
They have always put us first before them. Moving to USA was the best thing
we have done, especially now that Venezuela has gone from a Democracy power
to an unwanted Dictatorship.  Where would I be today? How would my life
been in comparison of my daily routine? I am 100 percent sure much better
now. This is a land of opportunities where everyone wants to live. Years
go by and I do miss my friends and family back home. Do I regret the fact
that I didn’t make a choice to come to this country? Of course not, my
parents wanted the best for our family and I am blessed to have them still
with me; sharing stories and showing them all the good things life has
giving us with this life changing experience.



Watch the following youtube about this undocumented person.
https://youtu.be/ZMlTmOip3ig