Immigrating to Lemont

Then, only 11 years old, LHS senior Gerda Simkeviciute left behind her life in Lithuania and faced all the challenges in adapting to American culture.

Because her parents didn’t speak or understand English, Simkeviciute turned to other methods in teaching herself the language. She said, “I watched TV a lot. Hannah Montana was one of the shows I always watched that really helped me.”

After coming to the U.S, Simkeviciute said, “I definitely had to take on more responsibility.” From being a sixth grader to a well-rounded young adult, she said, “The process benefitted [me] in the long-run.”

Overall, Simkeviciute said, “She’s happy with her life in America” and can’t wait to see what other opportunities she and her family have in store for the future.