Today, Rosy Alas is the successful owner of her business – L.R. Multiservices Agency, providing insurance services to establishments all over New York City. However, like thousands of undocumented immigrants, at the age of 18, Rosy decided to leave the comfort of her home in El Salvador and set out to America in search of a better life and opportunity. Here, she reflects back on her journey to success and shares a couple tips on how to get there.
What made you want to leave El Salvador?
El Salvador was in political turmoil for most of my life growing up . The Civil War lasted 12 years, from 1980 to 1992, and for me personally, it was a very tough environment to be in. Even after the war ended, the soldiers and the guerrilla were left with no jobs, and as a result, crime rates continued to escalate. There was great risk for me to stay there, and growing up, all I wanted was to get an education and go to college. My opportunities to do this in El Salvador were extremely limited. To us back home, America is seen as the land of opportunity, and I was determined to make a name for myself, and be an example for the future generations of my family. Looking back, I love El Salvador, but am extremely happy I decided to emigrate to the U.S.
What was your journey traveling to the US.?
It was extremely difficult. At only 18 years old, I arrived in a new country with no english, no job and no education by U.S Standards. Back in El Salvador, I had earned a full ride scholarship to college, but in the U.S, this was not valid, I had no formal education since I didn’t attend school here. I couldn’t even work if I wanted to because I had no legal papers. I traveled here newly married as well, and shortly became pregnant with my first child. Life kept throwing me curveballs, but through it all I remained hopeful that I could accomplish the dreams and academic goals I set out for myself when my journey began.
What is your first memory of America?
I clearly remember seeing all the buildings for the first time! Traveling from my town of La Reina, Chalatenango, to New York City was a dream in itself. I grew up in the country back home, so seeing skyscrapers, trains and cars everywhere was an eye-opening experience. It really did feel like the “land of opportunity” to me, and to this day, it still does.
How did accomplish the goals you set out for yourself upon arriving in the U.S?
I never gave up, it’s as simple as that. Back in El Salvador, I knew that college was my way out of my circumstance and it would allow me the opportunity of a better life. When I arrived in America, I was newly married, and shortly after, became a new mother to two children. Many people tried to discourage me- they said I was a mother and should be raising my kids, told me it would take forever to finish college, reminded me that I had little English proficiency, but I never listened to them. I knew that I had what it took to accomplish my goals. Even with two children, a family to look after, and a part-time job, I was able to obtain my GED, and shortly after, I enrolled at Lehman College. It took me more than four years to graduate, but holding my Bachelors Degree in my hands after trying for so long, made the entire journey worth it. I was very determined, and I believe that perseverance is what helped me accomplish my goals, and continues to motivate me today.
What advice would you give young people who have just emigrated to the US?
I’d like to tell them that there is always a way. I believe getting an education and going to college is vital if you want to succeed in this country. It is very easy to settle and just get a job, but if you go the extra mile, finishing college will allow you to lead a better life in the long run. I am proof that there is no excuse to finish school. I was a mother, a wife, an employee, and undocumented (not presently), all at the same time. However, I was able to discipline myself and accomplish my personal goals, and that is someone anyone reading this today can also achieve.