Gloria's Story

In Ecuador, I worked as a sales clerk. But life was hard there. There were not many jobs and we did not earn enough money. So we decided to try a new life in a new country.

When I first came to Toronto from Ecuador, my husband helped me look for a job. I found a job in a garment factory.

For the first three days, my husband went with me to show me the way. On the fourth day he said, "You're on your own."

And so, I had to go on the subway alone. It was very confusing for me. I was afraid.

I paid for my ticket and got my change.

I knew I had to get a transfer to go from the subway to the bus.

On my way I checked the map. I didn't understand it very well.

I wasn't sure what the signs said, so I tried to remember which way I had gone with my husband.

I was feeling so nervous I almost cried.

Everywhere I looked there were signs.

I still wasn't sure if I was going in the right direction, but I got on the train anyway.

I checked the maps again.

I was looking at the people and I was looking at the signs.

I wasn't sure what the signs said. But I watched very carefully.

When I didn't recognize the pictures any more, I knew I had missed my stop.

A woman who saw I was lost offered to help me. I told her which station I needed to get to work. She gave me directions and came with me.

I was very lucky because she spoke my language. I felt calmer. I was glad to find someone to talk to.

I was relieved to get off the subway, and come back upstairs to the street.

I knew I was late so I ran to catch the bus. But as I got off the bus my heart sank. I had gone the wrong way again.

The signs around me weren't familiar. I re-traced my steps and finally found the factory. I felt much better. At last I could begin my day's work.

From Getting There: Producing Photostories with Immigrant Women by Deborah Barndt, Ferne Cristal and dian marino. Between The Lines. Used by permission.