Humans of Samsung: Made in Jersey City

Martha Stewart was born here. Frank Sinatra once called it home. I’ve lived in Jersey City my entire life.

My mother, who is a nurse, and my dad, came here from the Philippines in the ’70s. Due to a nursing shortage in the U.S., medical schools were established in the Philippines, leading the country to become a major source of nurses—240,000 Filipino nurses now work globally. Jersey City was a humble place when my parents first moved there. But because of its location – right across the Hudson River from New York City – my parents saw it as a place of great opportunity. Jersey City has arguably the best views of the NYC skyline, and is known as “America’s Golden Door,” because of its proximity to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.

Jersey City offers stunning views of Manhattan

Jersey City has other nicknames. In the ’80s, legendary rappers and beatboxers Doug E. Fresh, Biz Markie, and Grandmaster Flash dubbed it “Chilltown.” Despite the gang rivalries and crime that plagued the city, they found it chill and problem-free. But growing up, I often saw graffiti throughout the city, including on my own mailbox. Sometimes my dad and neighbors patrolled for criminals and drug addicts who used our block as a hideout. One night, a car was stolen from our driveway, and my next-door neighbor’s house was broken into. And I’ll never forget the horrible day in 2001, when through a schoolroom window, my classmates and I watched the Twin Towers fall.

Despite these challenges, my parents saw a future in Jersey City. They saved their money, with my father taking on multiple jobs, and bought a house on what was once a landfill. It was a risky investment, but my parents’ hard work paid off. Jersey City now ranks among the highest-rent cities nationwide and has become a magnet for real estate development, filled with luxurious high-rises, a vibrant and diverse food scene, and over 200 murals painted by renowned artists from all over the world. Some even refer to Jersey City as “Wall Street West” because it has become one of the country’s largest banking centers. My parents’ experience has taught me the importance of hard work to achieve one’s goals.

“We One” by Dasic Fernandez at 227 Coles St, Jersey City

Our community was filled with first-generation immigrant families of Filipino and Hispanic descent, along with other cultures. My sister and I attended private Catholic schools out of safety precautions, mostly traveling directly between home and school while avoiding rough neighborhoods and suspicious strangers. Many kids I grew up with had similar stories of strict, immigrant households. With so many of our parents being nurses, we were pressured to follow in their footsteps or pursue other high-paying careers. The arts was not encouraged, and the motto was “less play time and more studying,” though my friends and I managed to bend the rules.

“Natural Springs” by Shepard Fairey at 581 Monmouth St, Jersey City

I feel fortunate to still live in the same neighborhood where I grew up. Now, as I walk through Jersey City, I don’t see as much graffiti. Instead, I see amazing public art and murals that rival those in Miami’s Wynwood district. There’s the vivid David Bowie mural by Brazilian artist David Kobra, “We One” by Chilean artist Dasic Fernandez, depicting faces wrapped in rainbows, “Natural Springs” by Shepard Fairey showing a woman holding a lotus flower, and the hip-hop homage tunnel by Will Power, featuring the likes of the Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur. My favorite piece is the mural on my block that reads, “Old Home New Jersey Same City,” by Distort and Clarence Rich. Not only do I love it because it’s steps from my house, but it also perfectly captures my sense of home and place here. As Jersey City continues to evolve, I’ll never forget the city that made me.

“Old Home New Jersey Same City,” by Distort and Clarence Rich, on Wayne St. near Merseles St. in Jersey City

About Humans of Samsung
Inspired by Humans of New York, our blog series features intimate stories from Samsung employees sharing their triumphs over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) challenges, immigration experiences, coming out journeys, cultural celebrations, and accomplishments in the face of abilities-driven obstacles. Join us as we shine a spotlight on the impressive individuals shaping Samsung’s inclusive culture, showcasing their resilience, and celebrating the strength that diversity and inclusion bring to both personal and professional journeys.