Hello! My name is Gabriele Gerloff. I am a 16 year-old female German immigrant from Prussia. The war between Denmark, Austria, and France led to my family's death forcing me to migrate to America for a fresh start. I've been on this boat with many other people of different ethnicity's for about 2 weeks. This boat will soon dock onto Ellis Island, which is where people like me are processed into the system of America. Hopefully my arrival goes smoothly. 

I've finally made it to Ellis Island! Although, I'm feeling very anxious about the unknown future in America. Also, over the past 2 weeks on the boat I've caught a cough, I hope it won't affect my entry to America. Maybe I'm not ready for this. What if I'm declined? What will I do? Will I have to go back to Prussia?

After 4 hours waiting in line it is my turn for processing. First, what seemed to be a doctor scanned me for any obvious physical illnesses. Luckily I was set on my way for the next step of processing. Next, I waited in line to receive an oral legal exam from a white man. This man asked me questions about my identity, such as race, physical health, and the amount of money I carried.  Finally! All my worries about entry were whipped away when I received the green light for entry into New York City. 

"Excuse me Ms! Is there any way you could help me find my way around. I just arrived here from Prussia, Germany. I am 16 years old, I'm sorry if my English is not good." 

Wow! New York looks nothing like Germany, I can't wait to create a future in America. Then it hit me, all the worries start crashing in. I have no money, no food, no home, and no job. What do I do? Where do I start? I need to ask someone for help.

"Hello! Of course i'll help you get on your feet. My name is Bianca, I am from Naples, Italy. Follow me!"

Bianca took me to her home. She explained to me that immigrants live in tenements for the low price. Although there are many poor living conditions that come with living here. Bianca showed me where she and her family used the restroom, which was an outhouse behind the building without plumbing. Also, Bianca explained how garbage builds up around their homes leading to sickness and diseases. I learned that living this way was the only choice for people like me. 

Bianca and I arrived inside of her home and introduced me to her family. Her husband's name was Marco and her 4 children, Dante, Isabella, Lucia, and Beatrice. Bianca and her father explained to me the horrors of the inside living conditions of tenements and the harsh reality they live. Bianca and Marco receive on average of $10 per week working at a steel mill and dress making factory. Also, I noticed the poor conditions they lived in. Tenement housing has much overcrowding, poor electricity, no plumbing, poor ventilation, and no running water, which leads to many illnesses. 

I then realized I needed to find a job as quick as possible to start saving and help Bianca and her family for getting me on my feet.

After many declines for jobs I stopped by a dress making factory. Hello! My name is Gabriele, I am 16 years old from Prussia, Germany. I have little experience with sewing but I am a fast learner. I am new to America and I need to find anyway I can make money.

Hello, yes we have a few spots open in the factory. Meet with Matilda inside she will get you started on the basics of dress making. Don't make me regret this.

Matilda was very rude and only explained to me where I was sitting. I hope I don't disappoint my boss. What if I lose this job?  I can't afford growing my future without this job. I wonder how much I'll be paid.

10 hours later 3 dresses made. Wow! I've never actually made something before from sewing. These dresses look really nice I would love to have one of my own. I now have to turn them into Matilda for my paycheck. 

Augh! this work is terrible, you do not get paid today. Maybe the boss shouldn't have put his trust into you.

That was the moment I realized I had to work extra hard to create a future in America. 

After work, Bianca wasn't upset about coming home without any money because her first day of work in America went the exact same way. Later, Bianca and her family taught me more on my English, how to keep track and save money, cooking, sewing, and cleaning. Without Bianca and her family I wouldn't know where to begin my new life in America, I am so thankful for them. Each night I've been here they've helped me improve all around. Hopefully, since my sewing skills and English has become better Ill be able to save up money to afford my own tenement housing.