Page 33 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2018

“I’m very thankful to be here.”
learn the language; it’s a courtesy,” he says, “and you should come legally. Breaking the law should not be the first thing you do when entering a country. For me, it’s heart felt.”
Ferreria then won a scholarship
to the University of Georgia where
he earned a doctorate in violin performance. He was happy to move to the Coast in 2012 when he got a
job with the Gulfport School District. He teaches strings to students in grades four through 12. Additionally, he is the director of operations for
the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra where he’s responsible for performers, equipment and logistics. Bringing more music to the area is one of his passions. To that end he established the Magnolia Concert Society which gives performances at various venues throughout the year.
“Since the first day I was here, I felt I was in the right place,” he says. “When you’re abroad, you have a different idea about Americans and might perceive them as snobby, but
I found them completely different. People are caring and giving here.”
The process of becoming a U.S. citizen took five years, but Ferreria didn’t mind. “I didn’t need a lawyer; I was able to fill out the papers myself. If you think the bureaucracy in the United States is bad, think again,”
he says, recalling his life under communism.
Ferreria’s friend Bobbie Thomas, a retired congressional employee, was instrumental in obtaining through U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker the American flag that flew over the capital on the day the Cuban was sworn in as a U.S. Citizen. The huge flag is framed
and hangs in Ferreria’s Gulfport home. Thomas also made sure the new American registered to vote. “I wanted to help him because he is an outstanding young man and now a great citizen,” she said.
Not long after his swearing-in ceremony, Ferreria received a jury summons — something that often fills Americans with dread. He was thrilled. “I felt than now I’m part of the U.S. System, how cool,” he said.
Although he was not chosen for jury duty, he still has his summons. It hasn’t been framed, but then you never know.
Now Ferreria has no connection with Cuba. He isn’t optimistic about the situation there. “Things are not improving for the people and that won’t change,” he says. “I’m very thankful to be here.”
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July 2018 • SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living 33