Life in Needham
"What is better here than in Panama is I can do it myself. I was adventurous in Panama, but it is dangerous as a single woman; you can't go to some places by yourself. Here I can go on my bike by myself, come back at midnight with no problems without being afraid."
She appreciates how Needham is a safe neighborhood where she can be independent without being afraid. Back in the area she grew up in, it felt less safe to go out by yourself at night as a woman. In our interview she wanted to make it clear that Panama is still a great place, and this is just one difference she noticed; she was able to be more independent in Needham.
Back in Panama with her younger brother (left) and mother (middle)
What was life like as an au pair in Needham?
"I didn't have a difficult experience here. It was very nice, your family was amazing, and I really enjoyed my time as an au pair because I had friends, you know, this is a nice neighborhood. I really did not have that struggle immigrant experience because I came to Needham to a very loving, welcoming family, with many friends."
Gaby with me and my sister at a park
Life as an au pair entailed taking care of me and my siblings while my parents were at work, and when my parents were home Gaby could go out or stay in and spend quality time with the family.
Gaby also did her fair share of adventuring: "I took the kids to all the museums in Massachusetts! It was wonderful!" She got to explore with us, and also took us on lots of hikes on top of all the tourist attractions in Boston.