A Hopeful Start in Marshall

Mirna Salmeron and her family moved from New York to Marshall Missouri in search of a better life. She misses New York but has made Marshall her new home. The Salmeron family moved here to buy a house. "Houses here cost $40,000 instead of $400,000," Mirna said. To Mirna,it feels a bit like history repeating itself. More than twenty years ago, Mrs. Salmeron's parents fled the civil war in El Salvador and came to the US. In their native country, her father was a teacher and her mother was a nurse. Mirna remembers her dad telling her, "You were born in the US. You have the opportunity to become whatever you desire." In town, many recognize Mirna because she is the bilingual customer representative at Marshall Municipal Utilities, a central location where all residents stop by to pay their basic bills. Mirna's job beforehand was at the hospital's laundry room. She still holds dear her old friends and patients that she visits often. Due to the increase in Latinos in the community, bilingual positions have become necessary to serve customers. "When they come in they point at me "Speak Spanish?" Her co-workers say, "Mirna, it's for you! It doesn't bother me. I'm happy to help" explains Mrs. Salmeron.

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Jose Salmeron g… Mirna has worke… The real estate… A new investmen… Marshall is a b… Avon calling. A… Mirna is always… A familiar face… Latinos are gro… Jonathan enjoyi… Girl talk about… Mirna and Jose … Are there diffe… A long day at w…

Soundtrack Inside by Moby Keywords marshall missouri mpw latinos hispanic new york long island el salvador american dream bilingual housing emigration immigration