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Born
I was born on November 12th, 1861. Soon after, my parents left me alone in an orphange with nothing but a passport so that they could have a better, free life. My name is Anna Dmitriev. -
Deciding
The orphanage was having major money issues due to new, hated laws. That's when I decided to run. My chances weren't the best but I had to try. In the middle of the night, with the snow falling hard, I left, though not missed. It was getting harder and harder to practice religion in Russia, especially if you were a jew. -
To the boats!
It was tough to run from the country I've know for my whole life but I had to. Now 19, I want to be able to get a job and have my own land and be independent; nothing like how it is here in Russia. Finally, I got on a boat with a large crowd of people, and kept to myself -
On the Boat
I kept my belongings close, afraid someone might take them. The only things I had was my suitcase for clothes, my passport, and my diary. No one bothered to ask my name or anything but I preferred it that way anyway. -
Ellis Island
My arrival at Ellis Island was tough. After a long time of being ignored and not being seen important by really anyone, it was overwhelming to suddenly bombarded by some ridiculous questions. I felt invaded, small. Someone bumped into me and I lost grip on my passport. When I looked down, it was gone. Being kicked by many bustling feet -
Ellis Island...continued
After waiting for a week in the holding area, I met new people. Svetlana, Andrei, and Anastasia. Svetlana and Andei are sibling who have also run away from Russia. They have no one in America that they are going to be reuniting with. It's a shock that they haven't been caught already. Then again, I haven't either -
Passport
It was one day when I was out looking for food that I noticed something hidden in the corner of a large hallway. A big wooden crate was firmly placed ontop of it with multiple more ontop of that one. Carefully, I looked around and when no one was in sight, I kneeled down and hooked my fingers under the crate, using all my strength to pull it up and slip whatever was underneath out. After dropping the crate back down and heaving a large breath, I peered down at the little booklet. My passport! -
Leaving Ellis Island
With a short farewell and good luck to Anastasia, Svetlana, and Andrei, I was finally able to show my passport and leave Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty behind me, ready to start my new, free and independent life -
Job
Soon after being set free from Ellis Island (and lying about who I was here to see) I found a job. It wasn't the best paying job, but it was something.I worked as a facroyt worker, sewing clothes non stop all day without stopping. -
Meeting the Petrovs'
After almost three months of working in the factory, my miracle came to me. I was found in a darkened alley, ill and out of money when an couple came up to me and brought me into their home. They fed, bathed, and clothed me until I was back at full health, and still, they insisted on helping me and keeping me in their home, even at the age of 20. It was great especially because they were allowed to go to Jewish church everyday -
Birth Certificate
After living with the Petrovs for two months, the subject of family eventually came up. They had told us they once had a daughter but she had no been heard from for many many years. When I eventually pulled out my birth certificate... they changed, They seemed even friendlier than before. They gawked at me with everything I did. I did not understand it until one day... -
Suspisions
Until one day.... Mr. and Mrs. Petrov told me they had changed their names, long, long again so that they could get away from Russia. It's a wonder how they're haven't been caught and kicked out yet. That's when it dawned on me
"Mama? Papa?" I whispered hoarsly. They simply smiled and embraced me in one, large hug
