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From a tropical<br />
bliss to a<br />
torrential<br />
blizzard<br />
B Y M O N I C A V I C T O R<br />
magine leaving a beautiful<br />
tropical island with clear blue<br />
sky and sunny days and landing Iinto a country with white<br />
blowing snow, low visibility and cold<br />
wintry nights. That certainly was the<br />
case for Manmay LaKay Claudette<br />
Ubekha Charles and her sister the day<br />
they landed in Brooklyn, New York 40<br />
years ago.<br />
The year was 1978 and the purpose of<br />
their trip was to reunite with their<br />
parents who had migrated there a year<br />
earlier to pursue economic and<br />
educational opportunities.<br />
The transition was not an easy one and<br />
proved challenging from day one. As<br />
they endeavored to acclimate to a new<br />
culture, a new way of life and a new<br />
school, Ubekha and her sister<br />
encountered many challenges and<br />
numerous culture shocks along the<br />
way.<br />
From being fascinated by the<br />
beautifully lit supermarket isles and<br />
riding the train instead of walking, to<br />
getting frostbites and fighting bullies at<br />
school.<br />
Here's Bekha's Immigrant Tales story.
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