DYLAN DIAZ

A er a hyperin ation in Venezuela, senior Dylan Diaz moved to the U.S. with his family to start a new life. In 2014, the beginning of the school year, 9-year-old Dylan would begin – in the U.S.

“At the time I couldn’t even process that we were moving, I thought we were going on a vacation,” Diaz said.

e economy had gotten bad in Venezuela, to the point where it was hard to earn good money. His parents saw an opportunity up here so they moved. During the move, his family only took necessities and valuables, leaving all the furniture behind. He felt sad having to leave his friends and family behind but knowing his current life and friends he would choose to move every time. He still remembers the memories fondly.

“ e teachings were very di erent,” Diaz said.

In Venezuela, they don’t learn about U.S. history. Since he was so young, Venezuelan history wasn’t really cemented into his head so he doesn’t remember as much. A history has stuck with him. Learning U.S history has taught Diaz to see from di erent perspectives.

Before moving, Diaz and his sister took English lessons to prepare for the move. For the English. Whenever the teacher would call his name, he would just stare. He has heavily improved since then but he still has his little mishaps.

“I never feel not included, I feel like I t in,” Diaz exclaimed. e U.S. is known for its diversity of people. You will nd many di erent people of di erent races and ethnicities everywhere. He likes to learn about others cultures as well as teaching about his own. He does have moments where being an immigrant isolates him from some conversations. his friends’ experienced things that he couldn’t which makes him feel isolated. Otherwise, the safer and more inclusive environment is something that he loves.