As I boarded the plane to move to the United States, the beginning of September 2005, I couldn’t help but think about all that I left behind; My family, my friends, my school, my clothes, and all of the awesome cultural food. Then again, I looked forward to this new life, a new beginning. I imagined it being like life in the movies, where everything seemed easy and life was just beautiful. After all, I was going to the States; the place where most people only dreamt of. I felt very blessed to have this opportunity because I knew that it wasn’t given to everyone. Coming to America marked my coming of age because I left behind my old life, I started life afresh, and I became a much grateful person. Let me take you back to the old life that …show more content…
I felt so nervous because everyone around me was talking but I couldn’t understand a word that came out of their mouths. When my mom dropped me off at school that morning, I almost started crying. I had a certain feeling of loneliness, as if there was no one to relate to. As a person who didn’t speak English, I was placed in E.S.O.L program at school, where I could be taught at a pace fitting for me. Making friends became a great challenge because I wasn’t able to communicate with my peers; the reason why I always felt excited about going home to my family, the only people with whom I could communicate effectively in French. As time went on, communication with my peers became less of a hassle because I could speak more of the English language. Being able to learn English in the course of four months and speak it fluently, I then begin to make real connections with my peers. I became best friends with a girl named Jazmin Ward and over the course of time I made more friends. Life began to make a little more since for me at this point. I didn’t feel so alone anymore. I even enjoyed being school more then I enjoyed being home with my
Becoming the person I am today and overcoming all the roadblocks and detours life has thrown at me, was not easy. An epiphany that has helped change me into a more independant woman, transpired in the office of a dealership. At that moment is when it dawned on me that I’d officially entered adulthood. My significant other, however, sees my move from New York to Connecticut as my most significant and life changing experience. Both of our perspectives were definitely important milestones in my life, but one seemed to tip the scale more than the other .
At the age of two my parents made the long and devastating journey to bring me and my siblings to the United States from Mexico. Wanting a brighter future for us, my parents fought tooth and nail to give us the world they didn’t grow up having. Ever since stepping foot on the U.S soil, going back seemed impossible. The effects of this life-changing move, couldn’t mask the unforeseen disadvantages. Lacking exposure to Mexico’s colorful culture, little to no bonding time with my family from abroad, and the struggle of trying to blend into an environment that was so different, soon began to interfere with my overall identity. Realizing this, my wonderful parents prepared a transformative trip back to my homeland, and back to the past, facing
This was back in November 2007, in India. I was 12 years old. I was enjoying my normal life. But I didn’t know that my life will change surprisingly. One day I came home from the school and my parents made decision of moving to the United States. I was totally amazed at that moment. My parents wanted move so that me and my sister can have a better life, education, and opportunity.
In my younger and more vulnerable years, my parents and I immigrated from the Philippines to America in search of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It wasn't until I started maturing did I notice the obstacles I overcame, the accomplishments I achieved, and the objectives I set for myself that significantly contributed towards the achievement of my dream.
I walked around unsteadily all day like a lost baby, far away from its pack. Surrounded by unfamiliar territory and uncomfortable weather, I tried to search for any signs of similarities with my previous country. I roamed around from place to place and moved along with the day, wanting to just get away and go back home. This was my first day in the United States of America.
Since I still wanted to make friends, I desperately continued to try to break down the barrier between my peers and I and I slowly began to succeed. As I began making more and more friends, my experience in the U.S. started to become a happier one. Although there were still many things about American culture that I did not understand, I chose to face my fears head on which lead to a more content life. I realized that no matter where you are from, what obstacles you had to face, or what social class you belong to, coming to America gives you an opportunity to build a new and better life for you and your family. The journey to learn this lesson was not an easy one, but I’m glad I learned it.
Form N-400 is otherwise known as the application for US Naturalization. I have started and stopped filling out form N-400 half a dozen times in the past few years. Most recently, I used the excuse that I couldn’t read all of the dates in my passport. Thus I could not give the relevant dates for when I had left and reentered the country over the necessary time period. The other day I downloaded the form again but now I can’t find my passport.
It was the beginning of the week. I knew that in a few days that I will be getting on a plane to America. I was at the age of 7, I didn’t know much. I didn’t even know there were other countries out there. I only knew about Kenya and Kenya only.
My ancestors moved from Canada to America, they started living in the northern areas and worked very hard to earn food. When I was small the life was very good, all the kids of the community used to play and enjoy the time, but as I started growing up I realized that life is not just about playing around. Most of the people in my community do not know the actual meaning of life and they have spent their whole life inside a specific area and with limited knowledge. I started to find opportunities to study and learn more things that no one knows. In my quest for knowledge and curiosity to know the unknown I learned many things.
I twitched with excitement but fright was coursing through my veins, this was the day I had to face one of my biggest fears: moving. Moving is terrifying- but this was to a new level, since I was leaving the country I had called home for so many years and the family which I had lived with for my whole life in order to appease my father’s work schedule. I glanced at my Babushka at the terminal, and squeezed her hand- it was time to move on.
It is through the events in the journey of life that shapes and molds who we are as people. As for me, immigrating to America was one of those milestones that have shaped who I am. Those who have had the opportunity of moving from a different country to America know what a privilege it is. I felt the same honor to know that I would be journeying to the land of opportunity. Without hesitance, I spent the last two months packing and making the final preparations before moving to a new continent. Although it was a bittersweet time, leaving my beloved family behind, I knew that I couldn’t resist the treasure that waited for me in the new land. Coming from a developing nation the high level of sophistication that greeted me on arrival to America made feel like I was in paradise.
It was about two years ago when I arrived in United States of America, and I still remember the day when I left my native country, Honduras. As I recall, one day previous to my departure, I visited my relatives who live in San Pedro Sula. They were all very happy for me to see me except my grandmother Isabel. She looked sad; even though she tried to smile at all times when I was talking to her, I knew that deep inside of her, her heart was broken because of my departure the next morning. I remember that I even told her, “Grandma, do not worry about me, I’ll be fine. I promise that I will write you letters and send you pictures as much as possible.” Here reply was, “I know sweetie I know you will.” Suddenly after she said that I started to cry. For som...
Even before arriving to the United States, the fear I felt was not having the familiarity of home (St. Lucia). Moving to the U.S meant that I had to start my life all over again. This time it would be without the unwavering support of my family and friends. Whether I succeeded or failed in school was entirely up to me. It wa...
When you mention America in my country, Libya, most people think of an opportunity to get a great education. That is why I came to America, to study. My life in America while comfortable, is different compared to Libya, and challenging
In this paper I’m going to share with you, a very special event in my life. The day I came to the United States of America, a day I will never forget. A day I used to dream of even at the young age of 6. The day I reunited with my Beloved Mother.