Jonathan Salazar, international business and marketing sophomore, moved to America after living in Merida, Yucatán, in the country of Mexico since he was 9 years old.

Salazar said it was a major change moving to America and how he faced many difficulties.

“I came here knowing three things in English—yes, no and how to count one to 10,” Salazar said. “I only knew ‘no’ because it’s the same in both languages.”

Although he grew up in a foreign county, Salazar has managed to lose his native accent.

“A lot of people don’t think that I have an accent,” Salazar said.

Salazar said one thing people might not know about him is what his favorite movie is.

“One of my favorite movies is ‘How to Lose a Guy in 10 days,’” he said.

Salazar said he has had many accomplishments throughout his life aside from the challenge of moving to a country where he knew virtually no English.

With all of the setbacks Salazar had to endure, he still graduated near the top of his class in high school.

“I graduated 27 out of 514 kids at Jeff [Jeffersonville High  School],” Salazar said. “I have a 3.5 GPA right now, which is a great accomplishment since I work, too.”

Salazar said sometimes balancing school and work is hard, but he tries to remain positive.

“It’s hard, but—if you stay determined and focused—you can do it,” he said.

Salazar is employed by the New Albany YMCA, working 30 hours a week and taking 15 credit hours.

In his free time, Salazar said he likes to spend time with his girlfriend.

By HANNAH COMBS

Staff

hacombs@umail.iu.edu