Transcript
Children moving into a new country
Moving into a country of unfamiliar traditions and eccentric society, my family faced a lot of challenges. The cultural shock that we received was truly inevitable, however, the most important and consternating challenge was the perpetual chase for a job. Adding onto that challenge was the linguistic provocations that they faced. However, it was these challenges that provided me with the determination and dedication to work hard in school and establishing myself as an ambitious person.
The toll of the cultural defiances was quite high on my parents. Despite having a good English language background, they had to go through the hardships of understanding and interpreting the American English. Communicating in English is a crucial requirement in order to live in the United States. Therefore, my parents were subconsciously forced to take ESL classes and learn about various unfamiliar responsibilities concerning health care, housing and bills. Yet, they kept a positive attitude and had hope for the future.
As the savings from our country ran low, it became obligatory for my parents to look for jobs. Being the head of a large industry, my father had a rough time settling in for a mediocre job. The same goes for my mother, who being a housewife for most of her life, had trouble adapting to the arduous labor life of the United States. Both of them had a rough time finding a place to work due to their English problems and when they did find one, it would often prove to be too strenuous for them. Consequently they would come home late and would be subjected to only 4 hours of sleep.
Reflecting upon my good economic situation back in my country, I sometimes look them into the eye and ask them questions like, "Why are you doing this to yourself?" and "Do you really have to go through all this?". Then they answer with a smile on their face, "It's all for you and your future". Even though I knew that the main reason I came here was for a better education, I never knew that the obstacles that they had to go through would be so burdensome.
And yet they smile, laugh and feel satisfied that at least I will have an erudite and bright future. Their positive attitude in life despite the harshness that it conveys, taught me to be always be optimistic and gave me the determination to work hard in school. They taught me how life is a pursuit of happiness with an apparent combination of audaciousness. Therefore, attaining that unification is my lifelong goal.
