Alma Leyva, Vassar staff.

International Profile 4#

The international community at Vassar not only contains students, but also staff! They make our hallways and buildings neat and clean, serve us with wonderful food and make Vassar a comfortable place like home. Wondering what these nice people like?

Let’s welcome Alma Leyva!

                              Where are you from? Nationality?                              Mexico. But I am now an American citizen. I’ve been in America for 23 years, haha a long time.

What’s your job at Vassar?

I’ve worked on the third shift for cleaning for 13 years, cleaning Main building and the Walker Field House. Also Raymond and the library are my buildings, 4 hours in the library and 4 hours in Raymond. It’s my job, everyone is so nice, every student is so nice, they always smile and say thank you. My boss is a very good superviser. I am very happy working in this building. I love my job, no problem.

Why did and how did you come to America?

When I was 17 years old I came here for a vacation, as my father had been living here for a long time. And then I stayed here, hahaha. At that time I had two jobs and sent money back to my family in Mexico. Sometimes the work was stressful, it was difficult for me to communicate in English at the very beginning.

When will you go back home? Or go visit your home country?

Often! I will visit my family in Mexico this Sunday!

One thing you feel is the most different here from your home country.

The food is different, OMG yes. I miss Mexican food, though I love American food too. But I love this country, I am happy here. I love my job and everything.

What do you miss the most about your home country?

My family, my grandma, grandpa and uncle. Everybody! I miss my close family.

Did you encounter difficulties when first getting to USA? 

No actually, cause my father was here. My first job was at a Mexican restaurant, everyone spoke Spanish haha. No problem.

What is the food you like best from your home county?

Tamales, Quesadillas and taco. Ah, delicious! But on Main Street there are a lot of Mexican restaurants too!