New York was the best option

It's a very know story in our country: Guatemalans migrate to other countries in search of better opportunities. This is the case of Katarina Hall, a graduate of the Michael Pollogny College in the Francisco Marroquin University. Live in poor conditions is not a requirement to look for a pleasanter life.

It was august of 2017 when Katerina Hall started a new adventure in a very well known city: New York. She studied Economics and History back in Guatemala, but she wished to learn more. There was only one problem: the master's degree that she wanted wasn't available in any university in the country. "I applied to several universities in the United States, but New York University in New York gave me the best offer, and that's why I decided to move to New York," she says.

In this interview, we describe her process of adaptation in a city that she knew but was still new to her. Moreover, we relate the obstacles she overcomes and everything that she gained from this experience.

What was the biggest culture shock you experienced?

The biggest cultural shock of living here was that people are not so affectionate, and there is less contact between people. Coming from Guatemala, I am used to giving hugs and kisses or have more physical contact with people. Here people are not used to that, and they can take it badly. For example, put your hand on someone's arm (even if it is a close friend), you can offend people a little.

What was the most challenging part of your adaptation? Was there something that made it more accessible?

The hardest part was sharing my space with unknown people and insects. I was sharing my first apartment with people I met on the internet. My experience with them was a bit frustrating. Before, I had only lived with my family or in a single apartment. I had never had to share houses with anyone else. It made me miss Guatemala a lot. But since I moved, I have other housemates and fewer cockroaches.

Two things helped me: One, I had already lived in the United States before, in Washington, DC. Living previously in the United States before moving in gave me an idea of ​​how it was going to be living in New York. In the end, they are different cities but in the same country. Many things don't change. Second, I had already been to New York several times before and knew it very well. It wasn't like if I was moving to an unknown city.

What changed in you from this transition?

Since moving to New York, I have become more patient and tolerant. Many things are happening in the city, several of which are beyond my control. Things that don't happen much in Guatemala. For example, when trains are late for a long time. Or when the trash He throws himself on the sidewalks and starts to smell bad. At first, they were things that bothered me, but with time I got used to them. This has made me more tolerant and patient in general. Now when I travel, similar things don't bother me anymore.

What do you miss the most about Guatemala? Why?

What I miss most about Guatemala are my friends and my family. I am happy that my family and friends visit me often, but there are times I would like to spend more time with them. Sometimes, I miss the activities they do in Guatemala.

Would you go back to Guatemala?

At the moment, I do not plan to return. Now I have a job here, and I like what I do. I think there are more job opportunities here than in Guatemala. And I like the style of life that is here. I love that you don't have to drive anywhere, you can walk to places; you also get to know people from everywhere. There is a lot to do and eat.