Being a Spanish Immigrant In Uruguay and the US
About Rosario Bernasconi
My Grandma is a strong woman who has overcome many challenges in her life from being an immigrant. She has 3 children and countless other grandchildren.
What are your strengths and what are your weaknesses:
I am very resilient and resourceful, and I have never been afraid to step in when things get tough or when there are challenges in my life. My weaknesses are that I am sometimes insecure and I worry too much about things that shouldn't be worried about.
What was your experience as an immigrant in Uruguay and why then after did you go to America:
It was a very good experience. I left Spain when I was 17 years old and I arrived in Uruguay alone but I always had a job and people always treated me very well. Uruguay was not very safe at one time and we had to move to the US. When we moved A professional opportunity came available, and we didn’t think twice because we knew it was a great opportunity.
Did you ever think about moving back to Spain:
Not really, especially after I started my family that would have been too difficult. And after for so many years it would be very difficult to move back again and move back into the routine I had when I was growing up.
“ Always try to overcome your challenges don't try to push them away”
-Rosario Bernasconi
Why did you decide to retire in Uruguay and are you happy there?
Financially it made more sense and we had already lived there before so the adaptation was much easier. Yes, it is a stable and quiet country, the people are friendly, and we live quite comfortably here.
Was it difficult raising 3 children:
There were always challenges because I had to work a lot and financially it was sometimes challenging, but all 3 of my children never gave me a lot of trouble and were very independent and responsible. I am happy how they have grown and matured into adults who have been very successful in their endeavors.
Was it very different to be an immigrant in the United States compared to Uruguay and which one was better:
It was challenging because of the language but also there were more opportunities than there were in Uruguay. The United States because I had the opportunity to train as a nurse which was life changing for me. It was a dream job for me
Do you still think being Spanish is part of your identity:
I haven't been to Spain in a very long time but being Spanish is something that I’m never lost. It will always be part of my identity.
