Marvel Moniaga

What country are you from?

Indonesia.

Do you speak more than one language? If so, which ones?

Yes, Indonesian and English.

How many years ago did you immigrate here?

I immigrated here in 2004.

What is your current citizenship status?

I’m not a citizen yet. I just have a permanent residency card.

How hard was the immigration process?

I don’t really remember because I was so young, but I do remember that it was hard to fit in. I got bullied in preschool because I didn’t speak English.

Why did your family decide to leave the country?

They wanted me to have better opportunities.

What has your experience in America and at North Allegheny been like?

Very privileged.

Have you visited Indonesia since you moved to the US?

I’ve visited four times and every time I go back I realize how lucky I am to live in the US instead of there.

Is there anything you miss from Indonesia?

I have a lot of family still living there, so I don’t get to see them very often.

What’s the biggest difference in school life?

Since I moved here so young, I don’t know anything about school in Indonesia.

Is there any change in the way people act or behave here?

Their life goals are a little bit different. In Indonesia, you’re just trying to survive and get through the day, but here you worry about first-world problems. You don’t have to think about when your next meal is going to be or if you’re going to get a job.

Do you get to go out more or are there more things to do?

There are a lot more things to do here since most of Indonesia is extremely polluted and dangerous.

How is the location different? 

I can see the sky. There’s green instead of pollution in the sky and dead fish in the sea.

What is the greatest opportunity you’ve had at North Allegheny?

There are a lot more choices in the classes here, and the equipment that we have is really high quality.

What is your favorite memory at North Allegheny?

The orchestra trip to Myrtle Beach last year.