Its overwhelming | 19-year-old from Peru reflects on immigration journey [Video]

HAMILTON, Ohio — Mia Diaz unzips her backpack and pulls out a laptop. The dining hall at Miami University is empty. It’s almost Thanksgiving, but Diaz is looking over notes from a criminal justice class.

She wants to be a lawyer. It’s why she moved here from Peru last year.

“There’s this big idea of the American dream — that was part of it. But I really love education,” Diaz said. “It’s obviously a really difficult path.”

The 19-year-old started college in Peru, but quickly realized it wasn’t the best thing for her. She moved to the United States last year on a student visa. It’s been a culture shock. Some things — such as students wearing pajamas to class — make her laugh. Others, like the food, make her miss home.

“You really have to deal with sad emotions,” she said. “Sometimes, it’s a bit overwhelming.”