Andrew Romay New Immigrant Center

Alumni Interview: Eduardo Salazar Uribe

Interview with Eduardo Salazar Uribe

Eduardo is a recent graduate of the ARNIC program. This interview was conducted by Maria Pyaterneva, ESU staff.

Where are you from?  

I am from Venezuela.

How long have you been in the U.S.? 

I have been living in the US for 4 years. 3 years in New York City. 

What was your occupation before you came to the U.S.? 

I was a TV reporter in my country. I was a News TV correspondent for Euronews and Vice News. 

What do you miss about your country the most? 

I have lived in 6 countries, (Venezuela, Spain, Cuba, Panama, Bolivia, the Netherlands, and the United States), so I think it's not only about my country. I miss many things about those places where I have lived. I could answer: food, beaches, weather. In Caracas, it is always spring. But what I miss the most (it's not only about Venezuela) is the people. People who I have met along the way. And of course, my parents and siblings, almost 5 years without seeing them. 

What are your thoughts on being an ARNIC member? Describe your ARNIC student experience. 

This city is amazing, I feel at home, but undoubtedly ARNIC is a safe place in the middle of NYC, here I feel like "someone is taking care of me". 

What is one of your biggest achievements in your immigrant journey? 

Oh... I have learned English. Recently I have been admitted to study for a master's degree at Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism. And also I am not sure if this saying exists in English or if it makes sense but I have cultivated my spirit like I have grown up inside. I have learned how to manage my patience. 

Did you face any challenges in your immigrant journey? If yes, how did you overcome them? 

Oh my gosh, a lot. Hahaha. Since being an exile, having legal documents, and facing and adapting to a new culture, language, etc. 

I just could say that I have had to learn to wait, to look more inside myself than what is happening outside, and to follow the rules, fulfill the duties. Also how to ask for help from people who can help, maybe to ask for advice or ask to check my essay before sending it to the university. 

What advice would you give to newly arrived immigrants? 

This is a wonderful country, but it's kinda bureaucratic so you have to be patient, patient, and patient. Never forget who you are and why you came into America. Then, try, try and try... do not think only about the goal, enjoy the journey. 

What resources did you find helpful for being an immigrant in the U.S.? 

There are a lot of places where immigrants could get the help they need to have a better life in this country, and that does not mean money. I mean support, even moral support, advice, and places where you can feel safe and welcoming, like ARNIC. 

There are schools, centers, and libraries in all states where you can study English for free. 

You can study not only the language but nursing, computers, etc. Just search on Google ESL, English as a Second Lnguage. 

I think in this country and mostly in New York City, there are many people and NGOs (Non-governmental organizations) and foundations helping people, such as like RIF or Catholic Immigrant Services. Organizations like Riverside Language Program or even NYU also have English courses for professional immigrants.

Also, if you can help, do it! 

For example, during the pandemic times, I helped NGOs such as Invisible Hands to deliver food to people who needed it. This was an opportunity to lead, and sometimes that opportunity means helping others.

As immigrants, it is really important to help each other. Those resources that we found - we have to share with other people who maybe need them and do not know about them yet. 

What is one of your favorite hobbies? 

Reading, running, swimming, and piano. 

What are your goals and plans for the future? 

I want to be a journalist here in America, and also publish my book (fiction).