SHADY SPRING, WV (WVNS) – Emmanuel Perez, or “E,” as his friends call him, grew up in Panama City, Panama after his grandparents migrated from a Panamanian island.
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He is the oldest of 5 children. Starting at 3 years old, Perez fell in love with the beautiful game known in America as soccer.
“[I kicked] everything in sight. It could be a flip flop. Whatever was in the floor, I was just kicking it,” said Perez.
Throughout his youth, Perez would continue playing soccer whenever he got a chance. He played for his school’s team as well as for a local club.
Despite his love for the game, he said there was an investment made in him that would open up a whole new door of opportunity.
“Once I was going to high school, my grandma wanted me to have a good education with English. So, she enrolled me in a bilingual school. At the time I did not like English at all, and after I graduated high school, I had the basics. I had good teachers; I just did not like the language,” said Perez.
Perez would use these communication skills to become an English interpreter for missionaries working with his father’s church.
After a few years of interpreting, Perez met a woman on a mission trip from West Virginia through his line of work. They exchanged contact information so they could stay in touch.
It was not until the next year when she returned for another mission trip that they would officially begin dating.
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In December of 2020, the two got married and Perez moved to West Virginia to begin a new life.
Perez is currently a legal resident of the United States but is not eligible to apply for citizenship until 2025.
Although it isn’t quite time, Perez told 59News he is counting down the days until he can officially say he is a US citizen.
“Even though I can go back and visit with my green card, I think it will be so much easier to become a citizen, living in this country. They have welcomed me, and it will be a huge blessing,” said Perez.
Perez is enjoying life in the United States.
He works in the kitchen at a local Chick-Fil-A, as well as helping with whatever is needed at his church.
“I have a great family church. They support me, they helped me a lot when first…first time I got here,” said Perez.
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Perez is now a father, who works to support his wife and 3-year old son.
He hasn’t had to give up his love of soccer here in the States. Perez plays for the Southern West Virginia King’s Warriors Soccer Club’s adult team.
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Publish date : 2024-09-16 13:35:00
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