‘Where You Are and Where You’ve Been’ Six attorneys share their stories of coming to America
Sofia Adrogué, Diamond McCarthy; Business Litigation; Argentina: The 1970s were a time of political turmoil in Argentina. My father was teaching, practicing and leading at a hospital focused on cardiology and pulmonology. His passion was medical research, fulfilled much more readily in the U.S. at the time.
COMING TO AMERICA
I immigrated to the United States at the age of 8 with my father, Dr. Horacio J. Adrogué; my mother, Sara Oyenard Adrogué; and my four siblings. [We] arrived in Boston at Logan Airport with 14 suitcases, speaking little to no English. Originally funded by a $5,000 medical research grant from the World Health Organization [for my dad] to support a family of seven, the initial commitment was for one year. The Adrogués—particularly my parents— upon arrival, fell in love with the land
CULTURE SHOCK
When I came to this country, my mother did not speak English; her native
tongue was Spanish. My father spoke only textbook medical school English. We had to adjust from being in a country where everyone could pronounce your name to being in a country where no one can pronounce your name. In seeking to assimilate, we watched shows like Sesame Street and General Hospital in order to learn the language and culture of our newly adopted home.
LESSONS FROM THE JOURNEY
My story is a story of intense work, passion and, truly, a little luck. I wholeheartedly believe that the service we render others is the rent we pay for our room on earth. I have sought to return in multiples all the opportunities the United States has provided me—whether through my professional or my community endeavors. As an immigrant from Argentina, I feel an immense obligation to give back. We can make a living or design a life. Thus, walk the talk and carpe diem.