Maria Latusky

Storyteller

Maria Latusky is a Danvers resident from Peru. 

Written Story

SHILPA: Can you start by telling me your name, a little bit about your connection to Danvers and how long you have been here?

MARIA: Hi Shilpa, my name is Maria Latusky. I fell in love with the town of Danvers 18 years ago and soon after I was able to buy a piece of property here and moved with my husband and my one year old son at that time. 

SHILPA: What’s your story of coming to America? What was that journey like?

MARIA: When I was in my twenties I met a nice guy from Wenham, Massachusetts through a mutual friend. At that time, I was living in my home country, Peru, when I was introduced to him. After a while, we decided to get married and start a new life together in the USA.

SHILPA: What was it like when you first arrived? What surprised you the most?

MARIA: At the beginning, my husband was my only family and I would feel lonely when he left for work everyday. I also remember feeling nervous when people would speak to me because I was afraid for them to know that my English was not great, and not able to understand them or make mistakes while speaking. But what surprised me the most was the freezing temperatures during wintertime. I could not believe how cold it could get in this part of the world.

SHILPA: Who was there to help you?

MARIA: There were several people who helped me feel included and loved. I remembered one of my husband’s friends coming to my house to meet me with yellow flowers. He said yellow flowers represent friendship and he was looking forward to including me in his friends list. Also, one of my sisters in law helped me to find my first job, she gave me some money to take English classes, and she introduced me to the Department Head of the master’s program in education at Gordon College because she knew I was interested in becoming a Spanish teacher. My husband was my biggest supporter though. He would take care of our kids and the house chores for me to be able to study and attend evening classes and on the weekends when I was enrolled in the two master’s programs I did. He believes so much in me and my abilities as a professional

SHILPA: How do you think your migration story has changed you?

MARIA: Leaving your home country is for the brave. It is very challenging to start from zero in another country with a totally different culture and where you barely speak the language. You learned to be brave, resilient, and perseverant. I believe anyone who has moved to another country for whatever reason becomes emotionally and mentally stronger over time.

SHILPA: Can you share a story about something you are proud of in this community?

MARIA: Most families in Danvers are open to other cultures and languages like Spanish and French. I see it at work when I talk to parents, they want their kids to become bilingual which is great. But what impresses me the most is the kindness and willingness to help others in need. People in Danvers are concerned for others who are losing food benefits and they are not just donating food but also they are reaching out to local food pantries offering their time to volunteer.

SHILPA: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your younger self newly arriving in this country?

MARIA: I would tell myself not to worry so much about making mistakes while speaking and don't feel embarrassed to speak in another language that you are learning. Learning a new language is a life long process, and time, perseverance and discipline will help you to reach your life goals.

SHILPA: Is there anything else that you would like to share about your story?

MARIA: One day, somebody told me not to call myself an immigrant because it has a negative connotation. I disagreed with his comment because I believe we all come from immigrants around the world. One day, I decided to read a poem during morning announcements in the Middle school during National Poetry Month  called “I am an immigrant”. Throughout the day, many kids and staff stopped me by to tell me their stories about immigrants in their own families with a big smile. I could not believe the impact I made to  all these people as they could relate to the poem.