Living and Working in Lawrence, MA.
by JENNY PAR | May 5th 2017
During the early 80’s, my parents emigrated from Cambodia to escape a war-torn country and a genocide which claimed the lives of over 2 million people. They moved around a few times, but finally settled in Lawrence, Massachusetts. With no education, they were seeking opportunities and a better life for their young family.
Lawrence has been my home for over 25 years. I attended the Robert Frost Elementary School from Kindergarten through 8th grade and the old Lawrence High School on Haverhill Street. I vividly remember always looking forward to Sal’s Pizza for lunch – it was the good pizza, not the gross soggy ones they usually serve in school cafeterias. My very first job was at Lawrence Public Library, putting away books and magazines. After high school, I went on to Lesley University, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Management and Marketing.
Growing up was fun. I have very fond memories of my parents taking us to the Lawrence Riverfront Park. We would take walks along the river from the boathouse to the playground and watch people out on their kayaks. Some weekends, we would grab dinner or Chinese takeout from Golden House Restaurant on Broadway. Other weekends, we would rent movies from West Coast Videos (which is no longer there), along with some popcorn and candy.
I love the diversity in this city, the entrepreneurial spirit, the food, pastelitos. El Tipico restaurant, located at 147 Lawrence Street, Lawrence, MA is one of my go to places for the best Dominican food in the city. I also like to go hiking at Den Rock Park when the weather is nice or grab brunch with my sisters and friends at Carleen’s at the corner of Andover Street and Broadway.
Lawrence is a great place to live, work, and play. It is a city of opportunity – it has allowed my parents to buy a nice home, send three children to college, and take care of their aging parents. Sal’s vision is to create opportunities for sustained growth throughout the region and I feel very fortunate to be working in a city that I call home.