Occupation: Student

Country of Birth: Venezuela

Current: Chicago, IL

“I want to be one of the people who save lives. I want to help people. That is what I want to do.”

Jhovanna was born in a small town in Venezuela. She lived well in a house, but her mom left Venezuela when she was five, so she lived with her grandparents and brother. She was given the opportunity to go to Panama, and she went with her grandma and brother. They lived there for six years and had a good life, but it was not perfect for them. 

In 2022, her mother heard that Venezuelan people were immigrating to the US, and saw it as a chance to go. Her parents’ legal stay in Panama ended, but they were unable to move back to Venezuela because of the economic situation at the time. Jhovanna and her family stayed in Panama for one more year; in July of 2023, they decided to move to the US. 

It was a long and hard journey for Jhovanna and her family. They sold all their stuff, spent days without sleep or eating, and walked for many hours. In Mexico, her family decided to give themselves over at the border. They even had to cross a river with an inflatable mattress. At a refugee center, her whole family was separated for twelve hours, and she was scared she would not be able to see them. Eventually, her family was moved to a different refugee center, and from there, a bus was able to take them to Chicago. 

After arriving in Chicago, Jhovanna was enrolled in school. Sadly, she and her brother experienced bullying and were not able to speak Spanish to anyone at the school. Jhovanna transferred to another school where she has found more happiness and confidence.

Jhovanna enjoyed playing volleyball and spending time with friends. History used to be her favorite subject, but she has found interest in English. In the future, she hopes she can help people, since she was not able to receive that care when she needed it.