Spring Break
AMERICAN DREAM: Albanian immigrant finds joy at Bolton
WHITNEY KESSLER
Issue date: 9/24/08 Section: News
"The church helped me out. They helped me to find a job and a house, to start speaking English," she said. "After that, I have Albanian family that has come, and what the church did for me, I do for them."
She said the circumstances of the past have affected the way she lives now. Her value of education and employment stem from the knowledge she has of difficulties many Americans have never known.
"You have freedom and you can go to school and you will have a good job and be educated," she said. "People here, they have problems, like I have, everyone has, but if you have jobs and you eat and you have a house, you are fine."
She said her life here is better than ever. Growing up on a farm made her a big advocate for the outdoors which she said is the reason she loves Georgia.
"I spent 33 years on a farm and the ocean was close," she said. "Here, I have lots of flowers and trees and a garden."
America, to her, is a symbol of what you can do, she said, instead of the way communism presented life, as what you cannot do.
"I am so happy all the time," she said. "I compare my life to before - for example, I wanted do something and I can't. I wanted to go to school, but I can't."
Harallambi said she taught herself English because she had to take care of her kids and work two jobs when they first moved to the States. Her daughter, who was 13 when they moved, became the family translator upon their arrival.
Harallambi said she started with children's books, magazines and newspapers. After she was able to get through a book of 3,000 study words, she began to speak. Now she is studying Spanish in her spare time just for the love of learning.
"We moved on purpose because we wanted better for our kids," she said. "I told my children, 'Here is a great place to go where you can get a better education, a better life.'"
Both of her children have utilized the University. Her daughter graduated in 2006 with degrees in French and health promotion. Her son is finishing his degree in computer management systems and business. She said most of her reasoning for leaving Albania was for them.
She said the circumstances of the past have affected the way she lives now. Her value of education and employment stem from the knowledge she has of difficulties many Americans have never known.
"You have freedom and you can go to school and you will have a good job and be educated," she said. "People here, they have problems, like I have, everyone has, but if you have jobs and you eat and you have a house, you are fine."
She said her life here is better than ever. Growing up on a farm made her a big advocate for the outdoors which she said is the reason she loves Georgia.
"I spent 33 years on a farm and the ocean was close," she said. "Here, I have lots of flowers and trees and a garden."
America, to her, is a symbol of what you can do, she said, instead of the way communism presented life, as what you cannot do.
"I am so happy all the time," she said. "I compare my life to before - for example, I wanted do something and I can't. I wanted to go to school, but I can't."
Harallambi said she taught herself English because she had to take care of her kids and work two jobs when they first moved to the States. Her daughter, who was 13 when they moved, became the family translator upon their arrival.
Harallambi said she started with children's books, magazines and newspapers. After she was able to get through a book of 3,000 study words, she began to speak. Now she is studying Spanish in her spare time just for the love of learning.
"We moved on purpose because we wanted better for our kids," she said. "I told my children, 'Here is a great place to go where you can get a better education, a better life.'"
Both of her children have utilized the University. Her daughter graduated in 2006 with degrees in French and health promotion. Her son is finishing his degree in computer management systems and business. She said most of her reasoning for leaving Albania was for them.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 5
Wanda 06
posted 9/24/08 @ 8:40 AM EST
I worked with Donika at Bolton from 2004-2006 and she is indeed a great woman! She was a joy to work with and always had a smile on her face.
Maximilien Robespierre
posted 9/24/08 @ 4:46 PM EST
Maybe there should be an article about why the Bolton Dining Hall Employee of the Year needs a second job at the supermarket. This "newspaper" is so ridiculous. (Continued…)
Max Power
posted 9/24/08 @ 6:42 PM EST
Donika and Ms. Sandra are cooler than everyone ever in life.
Especially whoever was writing under the name "Robespierre". What a tool.
Joe
posted 9/24/08 @ 7:10 PM EST
It's nice to see Donika getting recognition. She's an awesome person and was great to work with!
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