Gaby Muller is a first-year student at Emory University. was born in Houston, Texas to Jewish-Venezuelan parents. A few years later, her family moved to Coral Gables, Florida, where they have lived since.
Gaby's parents moved from Caracas, Venezuela, where they had been born and raised, to the United States a year after Chavez became the President of Venezuela. They chose the U.S. because they knew it would provide opportunities to their family, especially since they both went to college there. Although she has been born and raised in the US, Gaby’s first language is Spanish, and she finds herself surrounded by other Venezuelans frequently; however, she feels more American than Venezuelan. When she introduces herself, she usually does not mention the Venezuelan part of her identity and says she’s from Florida, unless the person she is speaking to is South American or has ties with Spanish-speaking countries. When I asked her where she was from, she replied, “My family is from Venezuela, but I am from Miami.” |
"My family is from Venezuela, but I am from Miami." "My parents miss it [Venezuela] deeply, but they know their life is wonderful in Miami." |
This made me ask her what she considered her home, to what she clearly answered Miami. Nevertheless, Gaby and her family have visited Caracas, Venezuela every year since they moved to visit extended family, except for this year due to the dangerous environment in the city. Gaby has limited knowledge about Venezuela’s current political and economic situation, but says her parents are updated and frequently check the news. When asked if she wishes she had lived her, she said, “I think it is a beautiful country and love visiting it. My parents miss it deeply, but they know thir life is wonderful in Miami. I wish I could’ve experienced life there, however I’m glad I grew up in a safe environment. I think the move turned out well; I am fortunate to consider Miami home.”
Gaby is happy to be where she is today, but I think that because of this interview she will research about Venezuela's current situation. Also, she seemed to miss visiting Venezuela and is eagerly waiting until the next time she visits her parents' homeland. |