Marta
Before moving to California, Marta was fulfilling her dreams of practicing social work. “When the hospital I was working at had to close due to Government budget cuts, I started a small company to help connect seniors to other health resources… In Spain, I was in my comfort zone and I thought everything was done. Everything seemed to be perfect!”
When Marta’s partner was offered an opportunity to finish his PHD at JPL/Caltech, and then after to pursue his postdoctoral studies, the couple had to think seriously about their next steps. She wanted to try living in California before making the big move so she asked her fellow CEO’s for a three-month employment leave and moved in with a family in Orange County. “… I was going to quit my company, I was going to leave my family, and I wasn’t sure that this was my place or not. And my English was not good at that time so I needed to improve… The 3 months became nine months with that family. I asked [myself] then… I have to decide between my career or my husband. And I decided to come here to move with him. We decided to get married in December 2016 and we moved here in January 2016 to Caltech.”
Marta explains how, initially, the transition was difficult for her: “I guess, the first month or two were okay because we were looking for a house, looking for a car, and decorating the house, but then I started realizing that I had nothing else to do… ‘So what can I do now?’ I didn’t have any friends and we only had one car so I couldn’t get around. I think I was depressed… I was feeling useless, totally useless!” She was frustrated with her situation and began to look around for groups she could connect to. Because the proximity of The Caltech International Spouses Club (CISC) was far from her home, and an uphill bike ride, Marta’s father gifted her an electric bike! “It helped me a lot! So I could start joining some activities and CISC was my salvation at that point! I started meeting people and had some fun things to do.”
Once connecting with CISC members, Marta realized that many of the members were feeling sad, just as she was. This sparked Marta’s curiosity, and she developed a questionnaire to understand “how the immigrant process was affecting our health”. Marta’s study revealed “80% of the spouses could be diagnosed as having Major Depression according to the DSM-IV - Major Depression scale. The most shocking thing is that they were not feeling that before they moved here. If we talk about our feelings, we can support each other… [As] humans we need to socialize and get support. If you are having a bad day, just say it! Don’t be afraid of being sad as this is a normal emotion; its your body reacting to a change.” With this data in mind, Marta currently volunteers as the CISC president and strives to make the CISC club more supportive.
Marta learned that finding a supportive network, a routine, volunteer work and introducing new challenges has been significantly helpful to her wellness through her immigration process. “Try to find some space for you… for me its sports, its weightlifting (laughs)! I know its weird but I can be myself at the gym. It’s true that I am volunteering a lot but I don’t feel challenged, like a career, but in weightlifting I can really challenge myself. I can be myself.”
Marta discovered there are distinct cultural differences between Spain and the United States. “The social traditions are different in the U.S, American’s tend to always say everything is perfect and wonderful. You have to schedule socialization in advance whereas in Spain it’s more sporadic and less timed.” Marta joined and volunteers with the Caltech Women’s Club and has found that the club is a great way to interact with members who have a lot of experience and who can teach you about American culture.
Not only does Marta volunteer at the Caltech Women’s Club but she also volunteers her time at Caltech’s Feynman exhibit. Through her extensive volunteer work she has developed an appreciation for the academic community: “At Caltech the environment is incredible… and there is an international community. I feel proud of being here! Everyone you meet is doing amazing things for the world… and you can meet people from all around the [globe]. I think this experience… [is] very unique and I love that!”
Marta most recently learned that her husband has been offered a permanent position and they will live in California for the duration. “Until I get a green card I can not leave the country. My father is going to come in October and then my sister in February. I talk to my family everyday; I think I talk to my sister more now than when I lived in Spain. We are best friends… If I cannot be with my family, I want to be my best personal self here… I started a company before moving here so I want to continue. I can do something big here, be proud of myself and make something work with the experience… I do not regret moving here. Although, it has been so hard and difficult for me, I think that I learned a lot… I mean a lot!”
Credits:
Christophe Marcade