My Father's journey - From Almost Homelessness to retiring

When my father's father left for America in the early 1980s, he decided to let his six kids decide whether or not to join him. My father chose to join his father on the trip to the U.S. It was a simpler time, the 1980s, when a man like my father and grandfather could easily enter the U.S. and adapt to the environment there.

He was seventeen when he made this journey, leaving behind his life as a kid in Chile to experience the new world. My grandfather eventually decided to return to Chile, realizing it wasn't his place. My dad, however, made the pivotal decision to stay in the U.S. and build a career for himself. This was the biggest turning point for my dad. He barely spoke English and was stranded in Portland with no direction. Yet, he was determined to provide a better future for his future children in a more contemporary country.

After working a job for only a week, he was able to secure a position fixing cars at a local mechanic, thanks to his grandfather's connections. He had to wait a few days before finding an apartment. He spent one night sleeping on the ground with all his belongings: two bags filled with clothes, money, and snacks. It was the worst night's sleep of his life. Fortunately, his sister, who had recently moved to Portland and married an American, offered him a place to stay until he could find an apartment. As much as my dad struggled to survive in the U.S., he was lucky to have a safety net.

After living in the apartment for a couple of years, he met my mother while taking PCC English courses to improve his language skills and find a better-paying job. He landed a job in Milwaukee and eventually moved in with my mother. Finally, he secured a more permanent position at Techtronic in Hillsboro, where he remained until his retirement. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf and drinking beer.

Many people in Portland aren't as fortunate. They face far worse situations than anything my father experienced. He was so close to missing out on the opportunity to have a life where he could see me become a first-generation college graduate. Websites like RentWell can be a lifeline for those seeking a place to stay. Such resources can jumpstart a new life and create a future for newcomers.

- Ronaldo Alfaro