by Beatriz Sylvain

Created on: July 30, 2009

As an immigrant moving from Brazil to the United States nine years ago I can say that I have totally adjusted to my new life. Has it been easy? I can honestly say that it hasn't. During my first year in Maine I felt like the state's pet. Maine is a majority white state and I was the new exotic animal adopted. Every where I went people pointed or looked at me. First I felt uncomfortable, but now I am used to it. Maine has only been exposed to immigration for the past five years with the settlement of refugees from Africa and many Latinos now living in Portland and surrounding areas.

I moved here legally through marriage and I am now an US citizen. My situation I should say is unique. I wanted to assimilate with the culture. I wanted to accept and be accepted. I have accomplished most of it. Even though I am an American now I am perceived as an outsider and probably will always be for most part. Recently I embarked on a new journey searching for a job. As a recent graduate and immigrant I can tell you that it hasn't been easy during this tough economic time. Even my career counselor said that I should be prepared for some individuals not hiring me only because I wasn't born in this country. I have to accept that sad reality.

I live here for nine years and I doubt my heavy accent will ever go away. I tried tricks to mascarate my accent, but they work only temporarily. I hold a bachelors degree through an American university and I am currently pursuing a second bachelor and a master degree, yet many individuals can't pass my accent. They are not exposed enough to diversity. I can't blame them. The situation is quite different in Boston and New York, but I wouldn't like to live there. In such big cities people may assume you are here illegally and think you are an outlaw. In Maine everyone knows me and knows I am here legally. My adjustment was much easier due to my legal situation.

An immigrant who moves to a country illegally can never adjust to the new country. They have to always hide or stay among their friends to guarantee obscurity, while as a legal immigrant I am able to go anywhere with my head held high. I don't live among other immigrants. My family is still in Brazil and most likely that they will stay there. My new family is 100% American and they have helped me during my adaptation phase.

When I go back to my home country I have hard time eating my own food and even standing their way of life. My life is now totally different and better. As the sign welcoming you to Maine says "this is the way life should be" and I am grateful and proud for being an American.

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