Dear Susan,

                      I have now been in the united states for 3 weeks now. It is a whole new world over here, I knew this from the moment I sailed into the harbor and saw the huge statue of liberty. How are things back in Ireland? It has been incredibly difficult for me to find a well paying job over here. There is such a large influx of people coming over from over seas that the job market is flooded. I read in the paper the other day that the urban population of Chicago is now 84% Immigrants. I have listened to your advice as far as giving up all of the cultures and traditions that we had back home. I am trying my best to live the most American life I can.
                      My main complaint about this new life overseas is my living conditions. My house is currently shared with 10-15 other irish immigrants just like me. We are all shoved into one small room with a few beds and no windows. The stench in these houses they put us in is nothing that I can describe with words. Although I moved it still feels a little like home here since there is so many young Irish immigrants here it seems remarkably close to home. I know I have spoken a lot of negativity about this new land but I do see hope and promise, I know this was the right choice for me, and out family.
Love,
          Jake