FLEMING ISLAND – When Estefany Cejas’ family fled Cuba, they weren’t sure what to expect. They knew any life away from the strife-filled island had to offer the hope of a better life.

Their first stop was Nicaragua. “From there, we went country to country,” Estefany said.

Until they finally wound up on Fleming Island.

The teen didn’t know her new home’s language, customs or freedoms. She often came to school in tears. But her parents, teachers and staff members wouldn’t give up on her. Or let her give up on herself.

“A year ago, I started at a new school, and everything was new to me because I come from Cuba,” Estefany said. “There is Communism there. Everything’s different. Everybody’s nice to me here. Everyone helps you going forward. The counselor (Shirley Baggett) gave me everything I needed to get going. Whatever I needed, there was no question. It was hard because everything was new.”

When she arrived at Fleming Island High, she only knew a few words, such as “Hello” and “How are you?”

It took nearly a year, but she finally learned enough English to pass her classes and graduate with her classmates on May 24.

“And she met our requirements for graduation like anybody else,” Baggett said. “She passed the state reading test without a problem. And, she got the highest score of all of our seniors on the Civics exam.”

Estefany has big plans after graduation. She wants to attend St. Johns River State College for two years, then move on to the University of North Florida or the University of Central Florida to study business management and eventually earn a Master’s degree.

She also wants to become a U.S. citizen.

“This is my America,” she said proudly. “What happened there in Cuba, people there say, ‘Oh no, it’s a bad country with bad people.’ But here, everything here is different, and I love it. I say I’m an American now.”

So, what’s her favorite part of being in the United States?

“Fast food.”

And what’s her favorite food?

“Italian,” she said with a giggle.

Baggett said Estefany has earned the spoils afforded to other Americans. She fought to make her way out of an oppressed regime and even harder to become an asset in her new community.

“There were many tears and tribulations along the way. It was not an easy journey for her,” Baggett said. “Her parents were very determined she was going to learn English. Her dad said she would learn the language. She will be fine. Dad put a lot of pressure on her, but she did it. She rose to the occasion and did it.”