‘A lesson that I’ve learned since being here in New York is that when you care and love people, those people care about and love you.’

Babylon

“I moved here from Italy about seven years ago. My mother was born in Brooklyn, but my grandfather moved back to Sicily when she was at a very young age.

“My parents and I used to come visit relatives and visit New York City and Long Island. During these visits, we fell in love with New York, and that’s why we eventually decided to move here.

I feel the Long Islanders I’ve met have had an immense impact on my life, and together, we seem to all work very well.

“I found my job as a wine-bar manager after moving here, pretty much right away, and have been working very hard almost every day since.

“A lesson that I’ve learned since being here in New York is that when you care and love people, those people care about and love you. I encounter so many people here daily and being that I became an adult here in New York, I’ve developed as a person and have grown to realize this.

“So many Long Islanders are so welcoming and just appreciative in general. I’m accepted here as who I am, and I love working within this community.

“If there is one thing I miss the most from Italy, it’s my grandmother’s unconditional love. It’s something that is hard to articulate, as it’s just a feeling. The way my grandma loves and treats me is incomparable.

“I feel the Long Islanders I’ve met have had an immense impact on my life, and together, we seem to all work very well. I am hopeful for the future. My main hope is that people who care and spread love will prevail over people who exploit others. I don’t know if this sounds naive, but one of the biggest dreams I have is to wake up every morning with a smile on my face.”

Interviewed by Maggie Melito