When I stepped off the boat onto American soil, I quickly realized I would face many challenges as an Irish immigrant. People often viewed me as inferior to "true" Americans, which limited my opportunities in this so-called land of opportunity. Coming from a background of famine, I found myself battling poverty again, toiling in factories and earning less than minimum wage.

Daily life was harsh; I woke in a cramped tent with my family, and we had no choice but to throw waste into the streets. If I was late to work, I risked being replaced by another immigrant eager for my job. As a "mill girl" at the Lowell mills, I worked quickly and carefully, always aware of the dangers around me—like the time a girl’s finger got caught in a machine.

Despite our hardships, my family and I worked together to survive. It frustrated me that I labored as hard as any man but lacked the rights of an American citizen. To maintain my culture, I often visited a settlement house and actively participated in the women’s suffrage movement, learning and sharing with others.

Reflecting on my experiences, I see how they’ve shaped who I am today. Learning about the Gilded Age makes me appreciate the advancements we've made. Compared to my arrival, housing conditions, labor rights, and women’s suffrage have improved significantly. Today, houses have better sanitation, people cannot be forced into grueling hours for meager wages, and women have the right to vote. I am grateful for the progress and the opportunities that now exist.