Melo's first full-time job was in a bakery in Inman Square. At first, he was ashamed to interact with customers.
"I used to hide," he says. "I didn't want to be in the middle of a conversation."
Melo, whose formal education ended at fourth grade, learned English gradually in his day-to-day interactions. While his spoken English is now flawless, he can only "write a little bit [and] read a little bit."
The Cambridge Portuguese community helped to ease Melo's transition to America.
"We helped each other when we got here. The Portuguese people taught us the first steps," he says.
In addition, Melo found refuge in soccer, a lifelong passion.
"I got involved in soccer here, [where I could] meet people and create friends," he says.
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