When security was really tight on the border, the first driver would alert the second one. Because they had a delivery to make, their job was on the line. They would not turn around to go back to Montreal. Some drivers would shoot the immigrants to death and leave their bodies in the bushes.

As soon as I made the decision to go, others tried to discourage me. They meant well. But I was willing to roll the dice; to bet all I had on one spin of the wheel just to make it to America—the land I am so grateful for. By the way, today I am a proud American Citizen enjoying my freedom.

I finally made it to what I call the promise land—America. The truck driver dumped me in Brooklyn, New-York. I was excited on one hand and confused on the other. It was as if I was swimming in a see of change.

I had two choices: To swim or to die. My only possessions were one pair of pants, two shirts, and five dollars. Add to that, I was unable to speak English. But I knew for sure that life was never going to be the same again.

I went on to live in Miami, Florida. Although life prepared me to face and surmount obstacles, it did not teach me how to fill out an application for a job, nor give me any references.

I looked for a job everywhere, but at first no one wanted to hire me. I started out as a boat carpenter, I washed cars, painted houses, and moped floors for very little pay. Then I realize that it would require a great deal of preparation to turn my life around.