Gabriella Smith*
Veteran, Leader, Wife, Mother
"This is not it for me. I am going on to something bigger and better."
In 1986, at the age of 19, Gabriella arrived in the US from Jamaica on an immigrant visa. In Jamaica, Gabrielle had attended a top ranked high school. Her parents sent her to the United States to work and pursue higher education. While in the US, Smith faced the pressure of working and supporting her family back home in Jamaica. Despite the pressures, Gabriella remained resolute about attending college. To support herself and achieve her goals, Gabriella enlisted in the army. The military provided for her basic needs and her college education. The military gave Gabriella the opportunity to travel across Europe. While in Germany, she met her husband. Today, Gabriella and her husband reside in the Midwest with their three children. Gabriella is now a US citizen and she works for the government. She remains an active member of her church, contributing to her adopted country, community, and family.
*Pseudonym and computer generated image used to protect participant's identity.
Artifacts
Artifacts are meaningful items shared by participants in each interview. These may include a piece of artwork, a drawing, a key, song lyrics, a Bible or Bible verse, a picture, an item of clothing, or any other object that symbolizes their immigrant journey. Each artifact reflects the emotional and mental state of the participant at various stages of their immigration experience.
