Every day starts the same way, with the familiar routine of heading to the potato farm. The work is repetitive, yet it provides a steady way of living. Each day, about 15 pounds of potatoes are harvested. These potatoes serve as a primary food source, sustaining our daily needs. Additionally, they are valuable for trading or selling to obtain meat.

This lifestyle, while not the most ideal, has its merits. It offers honest work and a reliable income, aligning well with my personal values. The labor is demanding, but it rewards with tangible results. The routine provides a sense of stability and purpose. Though other lifestyles may be more appealing, this one suits my current needs.

In this life, hard work translates into honest pay, which is deeply satisfying. The repetitive nature of farm life fosters a sense of discipline and resilience. Over time, the farm becomes more than just a workplace; it is a part of life. This way of living, though simple, brings contentment and a sense of accomplishment. It is a life defined by dedication and the rewards of consistent effort.

For generations, my family farmed potatoes, but everything changed when late blight struck. This disease destroyed the crops, leaving us with nothing to eat. The new potatoes were covered in black spots, making them inedible. Eating them would make you sick, so we had no choice but to discard them.

The potato famine was devastating because so many relied on potatoes as their main food source. Nearly 3 million Irish people were completely dependent on them. With the crops gone, they faced hunger and uncertainty. This forced us to seek new ways to survive and find food.

We had to adapt quickly to these harsh conditions. The famine taught us about resilience and the need for change. These challenges pushed us to explore new opportunities and solutions.

After the Irish potato famine, life became very difficult. My family lost all their money, leaving us unable to repair our house. Besides housing issues, other problems affected our lives. We realized we had to make a change.

    With no food left in the country, we barely survived by hunting any animals we could find. Our diet consisted solely of meat from these animals. The famine forced us into this desperate situation. We had to find a way out.

    Facing these hardships, we knew staying wasn't an option. We had to seek new opportunities elsewhere. This experience highlighted the need for change and the resilience required to survive.

Despite tough times, things weren't improving. We were running out of money, so we had to make the most of what we had. We had just enough for a cheap, seven-day boat ride to New York. There, we hoped to build a new life. Moving was necessary, but our destination was still uncertain.

    In Ireland, my small family struggled financially, prompting us to seek change. We talked around town to find a ride to New York, drawn by the     promise of land. We quickly packed up and headed to the port, ready to leave. Our goal was to catch a boat that would take us to a fresh start in New York.

    Awaiting the boat, we felt both anxious and hopeful. This journey was our chance to escape poverty and seek better opportunities. The promise of land in a new country gave us hope for a brighter future. We were ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead in our pursuit of the American Dream.

Once we decided to move to New York, we packed our essentials. We heard about numerous opportunities and the promise of land to farm. This meant we could continue farming and make a profit. With everything ready, we headed to the nearest port to start our journey.

    At the port, we had a few hours to spare. We took advantage of the time by selling our horses to make extra money for the trip. Our tickets had cost most of our savings, so the additional cash was necessary. Luckily, many people wanted to buy our horses, allowing us to sell them quickly and profitably.

    Before boarding the boat, I bought a loaf of bread for the journey. Finding someone selling it at a good price was a relief. With our preparations complete, we finally boarded the boat, eager to start our new life in New York. This marked the beginning of our journey toward the American Dream, filled with hope and anticipation.

We quickly found a spot on the boat, aiming for fresh air near a window or on the top deck. Traveling in cramped spaces without much airflow could make you very sick. The journey took about seven days, and food was scarce. It was rationed based on the ticket you bought. Luckily, our moderate-level tickets provided enough food, and we brought extra bread to snack on.

After seven days, we arrived at Ellis Island for customs. The process was long and involved talking with several officials about our nationality. We had to present papers from Ireland to prove we belonged and had family waiting. Once cleared, we felt relieved and prepared for the next step. We packed our belongings and got ready to head to New York City.

The journey taught us about resilience and adaptability. Despite the challenges, we were excited to start our new life. This experience marked a significant step in our pursuit of the American Dream, reflecting the determination of many immigrants. 

    Arriving in New York, I was overwhelmed by the busy shops and markets. Everything seemed chaotic and crowded. Hoping for some order, I spotted a small shop labeled "information." I thought it might have details about the land I was promised, so I approached the man there. To my disappointment, he informed me there was no free land in New York.

    Shocked by this revelation, I moved through the bustling crowd in search of food. I found a farmer's stand and bought two apples, which I enjoyed. With renewed energy, I started looking for a place to live. However, finding a home wasn't easy, and I wandered a few blocks without success. Then, I noticed a large store called "House Flippers."

    Curious, I entered the store and spoke with the man behind the register. I hoped he could help me find a home. Despite the initial setbacks, I remained determined to adapt and thrive in this new city. These experiences taught me about resilience and the realities of pursuing the American Dream in a bustling metropolis. 

    I approached the man and quickly explained my situation: I needed a cheap place to stay. He asked about my budget, and I told him I had $103. He considered it reasonable and offered me a small home for $25 a month. I asked to see it first, and he agreed.

    We walked past several buildings to reach a door in an alley. Inside was a one-bedroom apartment on the third floor, right above a butcher shop. It wasn't perfect, but given my circumstances, I agreed to the $25 rent, which I paid upfront. He promised to return in a month.

    The apartment had three small rooms: a kitchen, a bedroom, and a bathroom. There were two doors one to exit the building and another leading to the roof. I dropped off my belongings from Ireland, including some potatoes and clothes, then went to the roof to take in New York.

    After taking in the view, I realized my situation was urgent. With just over $75 left, I needed to find a job quickly. My stomach growled, reminding me I also needed food. I headed outside, past the butcher shop, and spotted a pizza parlor. Having never tried pizza before, I eagerly asked for the price and learned it was a nickel per slice. I bought two slices, savoring the delicious taste of bread, tomatoes, and cheese. Grateful for the experience, I thanked the staff and was reminded of finding a job

    Knowing I was good with my hands and could work long hours, I began searching for employment. Walking down the bustling streets, I noticed a man struggling and offered my help. After assisting him, he complimented my work. Seizing the opportunity, I asked about a job, and to my delight, he hired me.

    This marked the beginning of a new chapter in my journey, blending the excitement of new experiences with the practical need for stability and sustenance. As I embarked on this path, I reflected on the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.