Maintaining her culture

With few belongings in her small backpack, a young girl admires her surroundings as she walks through an airport hallway. She didn’t know what to expect when she arrived in Dallas, Texas, but she was fascinated by the tall buildings and the way people spoke. She was oblivious to the fact that it would be two years until she would be able to return to her beloved country of birth, Cuba.

Sophomore Samantha Rivero was born in Cardenas, Cuba, where she lived for 13 years. The thought of living in the United States had never crossed her mind, but her parents sacrificed everything they had in Cuba in hopes of giving their daughter a better future with more opportunities.

“It was very difficult leaving my family behind,” Rivero said. “I thought we were only coming [to America] for vacation, not to live here.”

It has been emotionally draining to be so far away from her family and friends. Those were the people who she grew up with and had built such strong bonds with; no one would be able to replace such important people in her life.

“I miss my friends and family the most,” Rivero said. “When I go to [to Cuba] I feel very happy because it’s the place where I was born and I get to see my family, friends and most importantly my culture again.”

Although she is grateful to be offered multiple opportunities like better education and the chance to be a part of a dance team, Rivero has faced countless obstacles, including learning English. There were times where the language barrier hindered her ability to make friends or do certain activities but she never let it discourage her.

“I think the only thing Samantha might struggle with is translating words sometimes from her native language to English,” assistant dance director Allison Montgomery said. “Sometimes in class she can’t find the right word to use, but her teammates help her out and [as a result] we often get to learn a new word [in Spanish] as well.”

Since the start of their friendship, sophomore Salma Gallardo befriended Rivero regardless of her lack of English. Having gone through a similar situation to Rivero’s, Gallardo strongly believes people shouldn’t be judged based on where they were born.

“She’s such a sweet girl and so kind to everyone,” Gallardo said. “She’s just like everyone else and shouldn’t be treated differently.”

Over time, Rivero has been able to socialize more with people who understand her struggle and what she has gone through. That initial fear that was once there has now disappeared and she’s now able to be herself around others.

“When I first met Samantha, she was quiet,” Montgomery said. “Now that I have gotten to know her, she has become more social in class and on Diamonds. Samantha has made friends easily on the team due to her friendly nature.”

Rivero’s passion and drive have been major factors in helping her become more fluent in English and overcome any obstacles she’s crossed. Despite being from a different country, she is not ashamed of her culture or the country she was born in.

“Samantha is proud of her heritage and doesn’t let that get her down,” Montgomery said. “Her culture is part of what makes her so wonderful.”

Although Rivero is grateful for living in a country that offers more opportunities

“I will always miss my home country very much,” Rivero said. “But I know that [being in the United States].”