• Name: Karina Marcano, 36
• Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
• Job: Health insurance agent

I am an immigrant from Caracas, Venezuela, who first came to the U.S. on vacation when I was 14 years old.

I fell in love with the fact that I saw a possibility of growing up in a better environment and achieving other things, such as security and a better quality of life.

I left Venezuela when I was 17 with $60. I was full of energy. I didn't know a word of English.

I took a Greyhound bus from Miami to Orlando, where my cousins were. I graduated from high school there. I had to work at a restaurant and several hotels. Sometimes I couldn't see my kids because I had to work so many hours.

Now, I am 36 and a health insurance agent for Humana. I'm making pretty good money. I own my place. I travel with my boys.

Being a single mom, it was hard but not impossible. If you are determined and know what you want in life, you can achieve it.

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