Hello, my name is Kevin, I am 18 years old. To come to this country,
I had to take 2 planes, one from Nicaragua to Florida and the other from Florida to Boston. I came by plane because I came for a special program for certain countries such as Venezuela, Nicaragua and Haiti where students get Visas. When we came we only brought the clothes we had on our backs. I left my house, friends, and my beloved dog Jacky, a pitbull who is very special.

My aunt was the one who welcomed me and my family into her house. At
first, the food was different. I noticed the flavors, the ingredients and the way of cooking was different. I missed the typical food of my country like enchiladas, fritanga, vaho, nacatamal, and my delicious pinolillo. Over time I have gotten used to it. Something that I really like here are the fruits; they
are very sweet and large. I also like ice cream, cookies and cereals because there is a lot of variety of flavors. I’ve noticed that the climate here is different. I came to the country in the month of February and it was winter; it was so cold, I wasn’t used to it. At first, we didn't know the city, and we got lost
buying food because we didn't have a cell phone with internet to use the GPS. Now, I know the city more. I got to know other cities like New Hampshire where we went to visit friends of my aunt. I lived with my aunt for 10
months until my parents found work and we were able to move. We moved
to different rooms in different houses; my dad with me and my mother with
my younger brother. It is difficult to find apartments and the rent is very
expensive.

Before starting school in September, I had emergency appendicitis surgery at the Boston Hospital. Thanks to the health system and the modern hospital, I did not die. They gave me pajamas, warm socks, a sheet and some soft drinks: it was excellent service. Then I went to school, which is very different from the school in my country; it is also very big, like a university in my country. The school hours were shorter only in the morning from 7 to 12 and here the hours are until 2:30 in the afternoon. In my country, it is the teachers who come to the classroom and here I have to find my classroom. In my country I had many friends because we studied together since we were children. The classes here are different; everything is in English so the first few months I didn't understand anything. Over time I have understood it a little but I still don't speak it well. The truth is that sometimes I get depressed and I have wanted to go to my country. I miss going out to my neighborhood to play soccer or play video games with my neighbors and friends. I miss my dog Jacky a lot. I get frustrated when I can't do my work, especially in algebra and geometry classes, which are the most difficult for me. I struggle in English but I have had help from my teachers. I have also made new friends, found a girlfriend and I think I am going to pass grade 11. I have been in the country for a little over 1 year and I have had the opportunity to get to know different people from different countries like El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and those who have immigrated like me looking for a better future.

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