Real People. Real Lives. Women Immigrants of New York: Netsanet, 27, from Ethiopia

Photo by Sasha Nialla

Netsanet’s photograph and story were curated as part of the photo and storytelling exhibit, “Real People. Real Lives. Women Immigrants of New York.”

“In 2012, I left my college shy of a credit from graduating, and owing it $15,000. I was frustrated and embarrassed. I had no idea how I was going to finish my credit and get my hard-earned degree, or how I was going to pay the school. Due to my visa status, I couldn’t legally work without a sponsorship, a situation difficult even with a degree, and near to impossible without one.

“As my friends went on to fancy jobs after graduation, my first job was at an Ethiopian restaurant in NYC working in the shadows, which meant foregoing hourly wages, and working long hours. I was that desperate. I was lucky that I was living with my parents, because it meant I could save most of my money.

“As time went on, I left the Ethiopian restaurant and moved on to better restaurants, where I could earn more money. It took a bit more than 2 years, but I saved, paid my school, went back to California to finish my degree, and now have started planning the next phase of my life.”

“Real People. Real Lives. Women Immigrants of New York” is a one-time event hosted by New Women New Yorkers at the Centre for Social Innovation on March 24, in honor of Women’s History Month.

Interested in attending? RSVP now — space is limited! Get more information and find out how to RSVP here.