For Ivanka Garcia, 10, America is a new country. She recently moved from Guadalajara, Mexico to the United States for a better life.

“The reason why I left Mexico was for my father’s new job, and to try a new life style,” Ivanka Garcia said. To Ivanka, Mexico and the United States are totally different. “I love both countries but I would prefer the U.S more, since the security is better, and it’s much safer,” Garcia said.

Being in the United States has a lot of benefits, which causes many other people from other countries to come over to America. Ivanka’s family came for a different, and a better life. Although it was hard to leave behind her family and friends, a better living was of main importances.

“It was hard to leave my family and friends, but I can always visit them soon,” Garcia said. “I miss the food in Mexico it was very delicious.” 

Mexico isn’t one of the safest countries for people to live in, which is one reason why people who live in Mexico cross the border.

Since Garcia was four, she had always had a passion for gymnastics and has been continually participating in gymnastics for about 11 years. She has competed in this sport in Mexico and will continue doing it here in the United States.

“I do gymnastics in both countries. It is my favorite sport, I practiced doing gymnastics since I was four. I grow up playing this sport for so long, and it had been apart of me,” Garcia said.

In spite of the fact that she had to move schools, she does enjoy going to her current school. “I like the school here; it is pretty. And I like the way the teachers teach,” she said. Moving schools for a student coming from a different country may have its differences. “I like Lewis-Palmer but it is different. Such as the classes, the way they teach. Also, we would stay in one classroom while different teachers would teach.” Ivanka Garcia said.

She likes the United States and the opportunities it has brought to her family and herself. In response to being asked which country she liked more, Ivanka Garcia replied “I like the U.S a lot, but I would need some time to think more into that question.”