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Finding Her Place in a New Home
Joeliz Rivera-Rodriguez’s bright and positive personality can be infectious, and being true to herself helped her find her place in a new country.
Rivera and her family moved to the United States from Puerto Rico when she was in middle school.
“At first I was upset, after living so many years in Puerto Rico, living in a whole different place is scary,” she said. “I was scared that I wouldn’t fit in.”
That fear was only made more difficult by the fact that she didn’t speak much English, just basic conversation.
“I was in 8th grade and I couldn’t understand most of the words, and tests were harder because I was still learning English. I overcame it by deciding I shouldn’t be so down on myself. I came from a place where English wasn’t my first language, so I gave myself encouragement, kept practicing, and I was so relieved when I could finally communicate well.”
Rivera spent her middle school years at Guilford County Schools’ Newcomers school. The principal at that time then called Loretta Rowland-Kitley, principal of the Middle College at GTCC-Jamestown.
“She said Joeliz needed to come to this school, so we enrolled her,” said Rowland-Kitley. “She knew we love our kids, that is what I love about this school, we can know every student.”
“When they saw I was learning English and how my courses were going, they decided I should be a part of the middle college community,” said Rivera. “I’m really happy and grateful I’m here because they gave me so many opportunities I didn’t think I would have.”
Rowland-Kitley gives the credit to Rivera. “She was one to ask questions. If she didn’t understand something she would ask. Some kids have a shell, but she didn’t, she was wide open and not afraid to get down and dirty to get the work done.”
Rivera did work hard, not only earning her high school diploma, but also an associates degree in art.
“When I came here, since I was having trouble making friends, art was one of the only ways to express myself, so I wanted to do it as more than just a hobby.”
Rivera will take that love of art to college next year, and hopes to turn it into a career, possibly in graphic design or art therapy.
“She is a young woman who will be very successful because she will work hard to make sure she does,” said Rowland-Kitley.
For anyone else having difficulty in school, Rivera has some advice. “If things look rough, just try your best and keep going. Don’t give up on what you want to do and don’t try to be anyone but yourself.”