Osceola High School students shared their stories with the world in a book they created called "Coming to America."

  • Osceola High students create book 'Coming to America'
  • Book captures experiences kids coming from another country
  • First book published by ESOL students in Florida

Dayivet Velez had no choice but to come to the mainland from Puerto Rico after she and her family lost everything during Hurricane María.

"It's very, very tough," she said.

Velez, along with eight other students, got to share their experiences of coming to mainland U.S. with the world on Wednesday with their very own published book, which has also turned into a club.

The goal is to have every incoming kid from another country get a copy of the book so that they can see a reflection of themselves in the pages and feel welcomed.

Alexander Echavarria, another junior at Osceola High said, "I don't believe it, like I, Alexander am publishing a book? Oh my god."

Olga Gonzalez is also part of the book.

"I came not expecting anything of this, and then I finished my school year with a book published," Gonzalez said.

In her narrative Velez, recalls having to say goodbye to her grandmother before leaving the island. She read Spectrum News 13 an excerpt of the book: "The hardest part was to say goodbye to our grandma Mama Tonya."

Reading her experience out loud doesn't come easy because it means she must re-live it, but it's something Velez hopes gives other kids "coming to America" the strength to keep on going.

"... People can feel connected with our stories. As you know a lot of people out there have to live with this type of situation," Velez said.

The book is also acheiving feats across the state. 

"This is the first book published by ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students in any high school. Not only in Osceola County but the state of Florida,” said Manuel Hernandez, the students' teacher and editor of Coming to America. “So that makes me very proud of them, of being able to reach this historical milestone."

Seventy-five copies of the book were published and they're being sold for $10 each. All funds collected will go back to the club.