While growing up in Puerto Rico, 17-year-old Jopher Martinez Girona always knew he would live in New York one day. It was his family's goal.
"But we didn't expect to come this way," Jopher said.
In September 2017, Hurricane Maria ravaged Jopher's hometown of Vega Baja, Puerto Rico.
His home was destroyed, and his family was left without power for a month.
"I lost everything with the hurricane, and it was not easy," he said.
The family remained in Puerto Rico for a month before arriving in Binghamton — another family member was living in Johnson City — in late October.
"They received us with open arms," he said. "We saw a lot of help and we saw a lot of people that really care, and I really thank Binghamton for that." Read the entire
story on Press Connects.