I have talked with some Spaniards within our La Tienda community who tell us how they are building new lives in America. Still more tell stories about their grandparents, parents, uncles or aunts who left everything behind in Spain to take advantage of fresh opportunities for their families in America. Some of them were fishermen from Galicia, miners from Asturias and mountain people of the Basque Country. Their sense of adventure and perseverance is why their Spanish descendants prosper today in America.
A parallel drama is occurring here at La Tienda in Virginia, where our staff is composed of at least a dozen different nationalities from Latin America, Asia and Europe. Many, like the Spaniards of an earlier generation, have come from areas of civil war and poverty, and are determined to start a new life.
Through La Tienda, our family tries the best we can to support them with health benefits and a great working environment. They are welcomed as one of us in the La Tienda family. In the long run, perhaps the most valuable resource we provide them is the opportunity to learn the English language.
When Raúl, a husband and father, joined us, he could only sign his name with an “X”. He now uses English as his first written language, and is proud that he speaks his newly acquired language with growing fluency. Another worker, Evelyn, left behind her large family in El Salvador, and is working hard to support herself and her family as best she can. Her face lights up with a smile when she speaks to me in English.
Another of our employees, Lisseth, is a remarkable woman, inquisitive and full of energy. She is one who has prospered within the family of La Tienda workers. In fact, she has done so well that we have just promoted her to Line Supervisor in our warehouse.
Lisseth Borrego and her husband were happily married for fourteen years when they decided to take the risk of leaving the familiar confines of Cuba in order to improve life for themselves and their children in the United States. They knew there would be major challenges as they tried to adapt to a new culture and way of life. One cannot anticipate all the bumps in the road.
Because they spoke no English at all they knew this would be a major hurdle to climb. However, Lisseth had hoped that with a degree in elementary education from Cuba, there might be some slot for her, however humble, within the American school system. Unfortunately, it turned out that her skills were not marketable.
In an interview by Narille Living in the Williamsburg Neighbors Magazine, Lisseth said, “It was very hard the first two years I was here. I was nervous about going places because I wasn’t sure where it was safe and where it wasn’t. My husband and children were the only family I had here, so I didn’t even have anyone else to ask questions.” But Lisseth was undaunted. She was determined to learn to speak and read English, so that she would not spend her life being fearful, looking in from outside.
Then she signed up for a job at La Tienda and proceeded to work diligently. To her delight, Lisseth soon discovered that La Tienda provided free classes for any employees who wanted to learn English. The tutors came to our work site because of our partnership with a wonderful local group called Literacy for Life, associated with the College of William & Mary, staffed largely by volunteers. Neighbors from the Williamsburg area give their time to meet with those new to the area who would like to learn English.
Lisseth enthusiastically took advantage of this opportunity. Once a week for two hours she attended classes with some of her fellow employees. Wanting to progress as quickly as possible, she also signed up for sessions held after work. In September 2011, she passed her citizenship test, and a month later was sworn in as a United States citizen.
Now Lisseth is able to help fellow workers who do not understand as much English as she does. Although she does not know whether she could become a tutor herself, she encourages others to continue their efforts to learn. She has advice for those who might be struggling with learning the English language. “It’s hard, but if I can do it, you can do it,” she emphasizes.
We are proud to offer help to these hard-working immigrants, and they have become part of our La Tienda family. But we know that they deserve the most credit, for their courage and determination to start a new life and their commitment to learn a new language and learn a new way of living. Like the immigrants from Spain, current and of generations past, they are seeking out a better life for their families, while still treasuring the culture and traditions of their own countries.
Su amigo,
Don
17 Comments
Great stories of real immigrants, who through their perseverance have made the US a richer country through her diversity. And isn’t that what America was built upon? The ingenuity and hard work of our immigrants!
Response:
A little earlier in this series of responses to my article, I outline my own family story where all of my grandparents came as immigrants with no education and built productive lives with healthy children who contributed to America. Three of my four uncles on my father’s side went to MIT. On my mothers side, her twin brother graduated from Harvard. They all had meaningful lives. I only mention the education because it’s an obvious accomplishment. But most important are the people who came and built solid families, which became the foundation of America. My best to you and your family, Don
When my father arrived in NYC from San Sebastian, Spain in the early 50’s, all he knew how to say was “ham and eggs, cup of coffee.” Much to his shock, the waiter at the coffee shop insisted on knowing how he wanted his eggs cooked. A shrug by my father made him a fan of “over easy eggs”. He left it all behind and built a marvelous life here for us. I still visit family in San Sebastian as often as I am able. My late father was my hero and in his words, was more of an American than I would ever be (I was born here) because he chose this country! Thanks for writing this piece Don!
Response:
I think that is an interesting thought that because your father chose America in some ways he is more American that we who are native born citizens. We take a lot for granted, don’t we? Your dad sounds as if he was a remarkable man.
Don
I lived in Spain for 11 years, I learned the beautiful language, I made lifelong friends. When I came home for medical resaons in 1992, I became a volunteer interpreter for neighbors and patients in hospital. I also taught English to several Brazilenos and Latinos. I love Tienda. It keeps me close to my beloved Spain. It’s almost verano, and no puedo esperar a comprar la horchata y el gaspacho de La Tienda. Gracias, Sr. Harris. Yo vivi en Fuengirola, Malaga 1981-1992. Creo que Usted y la familia vivieron en Rota durante algunos de estos anos.
Response:
Dear Betty, how nice to hear from you. Spending 11 years in Spanish must have been a wonderful experience. I hope the medical condition you referred to is no longer a burden. We lived in El Puerto de Santa Maria for a few years in the 1970s, and then our grandchildren had a chance to go to school in Jerez de la Frontera for six months. They loved the Spanish school and the friends they made there. Best wishes and I hope that our paths cross – perhaps in Williamsburg Tu amigo, Don
FANTASTIC! Thanks for encouraging your employees, & thanks to their embracing education & family.
Response:
Dear Toss, as you know, education is the key to so much else. My father’s parents immigrated from Northern Ireland as teenagers and three of their four sons went to MIT. My mother’s parents were also immigrants from England and Armenia. After my grandmother became a widow when her twins were still teenagers, somehow or another, she put her son through Harvard and Harvard Business School and his sister (my mother) through Simmons College. Then when they were safely through, she falsified her age so that she could be included in a college program herself! Education opened so many doors, and without language fluency, people can easily be lost.
Not only do you have great products, but you also have a great organization. It’s wonderful to hear of how you have helped others achieve the dream that is the heart of the United States. Keep up the good work!!! Oh, we really enjoy your products!!!
Saludos,
Hal y Pamela
Response:
Dear Hal and Pamela, thanks for your message telling us how much you enjoy our products. But what you suggested is indeed true: it is our opportunity to lend support to our brothers and sisters, both in Spain and here, which gives us the most satisfaction. Abrazos, Don