MY STORY: English-language learners from Portland Adult Education sharing their stories in their words. We welcome them to Portland.
My name is Branca. I’m from Angola. I have five sisters. My family is in Africa. My father and mother live in my country. I have three aunts and two uncles, and six nephews and nieces. I liked my grandmother because she understood me.
My favorite colors are blue, pink and green. My favorite music is R & B. I like Disney movies. I like swimming. I like to go walking to the park and read the book. I’m look the new phrases and the grammar in the park. Many children play.
I arrived in America on 2/26/14. My first day for coming to the U.S. in the bus station I was confused for me to buy the ticket. But one person he spoke Portuguese he helped me buy my ticket for come in Portland, ME.
Before, I was a manager in a post office. I liked my job, is very easy for me. In the future, I want to be a doctor or nurse because I like helping people.
When I was young, I was very good at music. In Angola, music is important. Many peoples sing, play the violin, drums and wood blocks. I sing in the choir at my church.
I am friendly because I like people, but I am impatient when somebody is late to meet me.
In my country there are not four seasons, only two seasons. The temperature in America is very difficult because in my country no snow and cold.
In my country is not the pizza and the fruit cherries. I like this fruit.
The church in America is very good, I like it. Americans like gone in the church, in my country don’t many people gone to the church. The people not go to school, they sometimes like drink the beer and smoking.
The English language is very hard. Sometime it makes me crazy! The pronunciation is not easy.
The holiday I celebrate in my country is the Independence for Angola (November 11th). We have the costume to celebrate the day of Independence because is the Memorial Day, many people did giving their lives for this independence. My family don’t like this day because my grandfather died in this.
In my country, there is no democracy. The president kills the people. My president have 36 years in power. The people doesn’t the peace because the government like very well the money.
One Angolan culture food is cassava leaves and banana and peanut butter. When you cook them, you put in boiling water, make all onions and spices, boil for 1h 30 min.
Today I was walking and finding $20 on the ground. I’m very happy!
After my friend he give me a card for talking on the phone to my country, when I talking to my mom, she tell me my young sister is pregnant. I have the good news and I’m very happy!
During my birthday, my pen pal gave me the card for my birthday, and my best friend bought me the guitar because I like to play. I was very happy.
If I had a million dollars, I would buy the new house and help my family come in U.S. Also, donations to the church is important for me. Maybe buy the new car and travel to all 50 states in U.S.!
Note: Branca has just received her work permit and is applying for jobs. She would be an excellent employee and a positive addition to any workplace! If you are interested in hiring Branca, please e-mail LizMcMahon2014@gmail.com FMI.
