"Crossing Flatbush Avenue" Roy Embrack

I was able to interview a good friend of my mom followed by a discussion. He left his home, St. Vincent, with the mind set of coming to a better and easier life. Did he eventually realize it was all a fraud. He and his family went on to living in Brooklyn and still is in the area of Church Avenue and is not thinking of returning to live back home, but makes occasional visits. Working hard and enjoying life to its max is the way he lives. This is his story.

My name is Roy Embrack and I left my home country, St. Vincent, 18 years ago to enter a new and better life here in America with my mother. I have family both here and back home that I keep in touch with all the time. I work as a Patient Liaison which is helping people and their families with non-medical questions/concerns. When I’m not working, I spend time with my family and friends whether if it’s from just sitting around conversing or doing something active. I like to go to the movies and I like to take long walks on nice days. Like I said before, I came to the U.S. for a better living, but it wasn’t as great as I expected it. I expected it to be an easier life with the expectations coming from family members that returned home with false impressions of what life in America would be like. Life is very rough; nothing is as easy as I thought it would be. One has to work twice hard in this America compared to the islands.

My command of English is very good. I still use my native language, but I do feel comfortable speaking English. My lifestyle has changed, but my values remain the same. No pressure in changing lifestyle, just have to adapt to new environment. I am a U.S. citizen. There are more benefits available to a citizen then to a non-citizen. I do not think of myself as an American, but the term “AMERICAN” to me means free society. Since I did not have a bad or terrible experience of immigration, I would say I had a common one or a little more than common; kind of better. I connect back home all of the time. I may visit home occasionally, contact them through the telephone and mail. I also watch the Caribbean channel to know what’s happening back home. I do have kids and I would like for them to know where their father is from. I took them to St. Vincent so they can meet the family and see the culture. In 10 years I should be retired and cruising around with my lady bug. I love to cruise to the islands, it’s beautiful and relaxing. I also see my kids and step kids living healthy and prosperous life without harassing me in my senior years. We all get old and age.