Leaving Home, Finding Opportunity: My Father’s Immigration Story

Written by: Kayla Manzzo

Growing up in Panama, my dad was raised in a close-knit community where family, hard work, and perseverance were deeply valued. Life was simple, but it was filled with love, strong traditions, and the support of family members who always looked out for one another. Even though Panama was home, my grandparents believed there were greater opportunities waiting for their children in the United States. They wanted to create a better future for my dad and his four siblings, hoping they would have access to better education, careers, and opportunities that were difficult to find back home. Leaving behind family, friends, and the comfort of everything they knew was not an easy decision, but my grandparents were willing to make sacrifices in order to give their children a chance at a better life.

When my dad was 12 years old, he immigrated to the United States with his mother, father, and four siblings. Moving to a completely different country at such a young age was both exciting and frightening for him. He had to leave behind the life he had always known and adjust to a world that felt unfamiliar in every way. Although he was young, he understood that his parents were making this move because they wanted more opportunities for their family. The journey to America was not simply about changing locations; it was about starting over and taking a risk in hopes of building a brighter future.

After arriving in the United States, my dad and his family settled in Queens, New York. Living in Queens exposed him to a fast-paced environment that was very different from the small community he grew up in back in Panama. Everything around him was new, from the language people spoke to the schools, neighborhoods, and culture. One of the hardest challenges for him was overcoming the language barrier. Since English was not his first language, communicating with others was difficult at times. School became overwhelming because he had to adjust not only academically but socially as well. He often felt out of place and struggled to adapt to his new surroundings.

My dad attended high school in Queens, but balancing school, work, and helping support his family became increasingly difficult. Like many immigrant families, money was tight, and everyone had to contribute in some way. Eventually, he was unable to finish high school because he needed to focus on working and helping his family financially. Although not graduating was disappointing, he refused to let that define his future. Instead of giving up, he used his struggles as motivation to work harder and prove that success was still possible, even without a degree.

As a young adult, my dad worked many long and exhausting hours at different jobs. The work was not always easy, but he remained determined to build a stable life for himself and his family. Over time, he became interested in computers and technology. Even though he had no college degree or formal education in the field, he was eager to learn. He spent time teaching himself about technology, asking questions, and gaining knowledge through hands-on experience. Unlike many people entering the field, he did not have the advantage of certifications or advanced schooling, so he had to prove himself through hard work and persistence.

Starting from the bottom in the IT field was challenging. My dad often had to work twice as hard as others just to earn respect and opportunities. He took on responsibilities that others avoided and constantly pushed himself to improve his skills. He learned everything through experience and determination. Slowly but surely, his hard work began to pay off. Supervisors noticed his dedication, problem-solving skills, and willingness to learn. Over the years, he continued to move up within the company, earning more responsibilities and gaining the trust of those around him.

Today, my dad is one of the head partners of the company he works for. Looking at where he started compared to where he is now is truly inspiring. He went from being a young immigrant struggling to adapt to a new country to becoming a successful leader in the IT field without ever earning a college degree. His story proves that determination, resilience, and hard work can help someone overcome even the most difficult obstacles. He built his success from the ground up and never allowed setbacks to stop him from reaching his goals.

Although my dad eventually achieved success, the journey was far from easy. One of the hardest parts of immigrating was being separated from extended family members and trying to maintain a connection to his roots while adapting to a new culture. There were many moments where he missed Panama, especially during holidays and family celebrations. Even after living in the United States for many years, he never forgot where he came from. He continues to stay connected to his Panamanian culture through food, music, language, and traditions. Growing up, my family was always surrounded by those traditions, and my dad made sure his children understood the importance of remembering our roots and appreciating our culture.

Watching my dad throughout my life has taught me many valuable lessons. No matter how difficult life became, he always

remained focused on providing for our family. He worked tirelessly to make sure we had stability and opportunities that he did not always have growing up. Even during stressful times, he never complained or gave up. Instead, he continued pushing forward because he believed that hard work and perseverance would eventually lead to success.

My dad’s story has also taught me the importance of resilience. There were many moments in his life where it would have been easy to quit or lose hope. Moving to a new country at 12 years old, struggling in school, not finishing high school, and trying to build a career without a degree were all major challenges. However, instead of allowing those obstacles to hold him back, he used them as motivation to work harder and create a better future for himself and our family.

Today, I admire my dad not only for everything he accomplished professionally but also for the person he is. He is a reminder that success is not always determined by degrees or titles, but by dedication, perseverance, and the willingness to keep going even when life becomes difficult. His journey from Panama to the United States is a story of sacrifice, courage, and determination. It is also a story about the importance of family and the lengths parents will go to in order to give their children better opportunities.

Looking back on everything he overcame, I feel grateful for the sacrifices my grandparents and my dad made for our family. Their courage and hard work created opportunities for future generations and showed me the value of determination and resilience. My dad’s journey continues to inspire me every day to work hard, appreciate opportunities, and never take anything for granted. From Panama to New York, his story is one of hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of a better life.