"Missing My Country" by the students at El Centro del Cardemal, H.A.B.L.E., Boston

I can decide when I have been here a long time to go to my country. I can decide by myself. But now when I have been here a little time, I can't decide because my parents say, "You have to study and work.

In the future, I think I can decide by myself. By myself I want to return to my country and stay there for a long time.

-Salancy Marte

I miss all of my family. I miss my mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew and cousin. I miss the Puerto Rican food, the beach and the river. I miss the festivals. I miss the shops and the mall, and everybody, and my friend; I miss my best friend.

-Dionisia Rodriguez