My name is Beatrice Giannandrea, and I am an Argentinian American professional. I have spent in US most of my life. I immigrated after living in Brazil for two years. When I came to the States, I had already finished a Licentiate (Master) in Philosophy. As a young person, I was trying a new territory. United States seemed attractive and full of opportunities to me. My first place of residence was NYC, in the borough of Queens I used to work in Manhattan for a classical music magazine, where people were making and publishing Guitar Review, that is still in existence. I enjoyed those years immensely, surrounded by musicians, artists, and writers. Happy to be able to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and exhibitions or galleries, attend the best concerts, opera, recitals, and get to know so many people in the field of culture and arts. It was a wonderful period of my life. I also taught Literature and Grammar classes at the Argentinian school.
After many years in NY, I moved with my small family to Florida, where I studied and received a Master in Spanish Literature from the University of Central Florida. And a few years later, a PhD from Florida International University in Miami, FL. Having children, a family, and teaching at the University, made hard to attend classes in Miami. But I did it because I had a strong will to succeed. In 2006 I moved to Ohio to work for Ohio University.
I am convinced that United States gives the immigrant a lot of possibilities to develop their potential. Of course, it has to do with your previous experience and knowledge. I know that many immigrants come to do physical work, but that is their contribution to society. No matter what field you are in, or your background, you can work, practice, and improve in your area of work.
I recognize that it is not easy to integrate yourself to a new culture, rules, language, etc. You need to adapt, and when you do, without losing your values and your traditions that are part of your identity, you can give the best of you, and receive from others what they offer to you.
Women are a very important part of this process. Women educate the next generations. They do it especially when they are in the classroom, but being in contact with their children, at home, they are also forming habits and giving good examples and values to young people.
United States offers opportunities to grow, but also it benefits from the variety of races, languages and cultures from all over the world.
