Important Moment

Every day, thousands of immigrants arrive to the USA seeking opportunity, freedom, or just a better future. I set foot in Austin, Texas, after twenty-seven hours of traveling. In my five year-old brain, the first impression of America was rather a pessimistic one due to its prolonged roads. All I could think of was my home country; India, and all my friends that I had left behind.

Finally, an extensive day of travel and soreness came to an end! I tossed and turned in my bed, but I couldn't fall asleep! Suddenly anxious, I laid in bed thinking about school, I had heard my parents talk about my school admission earlier that evening. Did they not realize that I didn't know anyone or more importantly that I couldn't understand English? How was I going to adjust? Everything seemed so new! Overwhelmed with fear, I pulled the blanket over my head.

Panic and trepidation conquered me as I dressed for my first day of school. I had no control on obstructing my nightmare transforming into reality. After shedding many tears, I was dropped off at school by my uncle.

The day had already begun on a very gloomy note, but what was even worse was that I did not properly understand the words coming out of my teacher's mouth. The duration of the different activities in the day led me to realize that I was the odd one out. All my classmates knew each other through either parents or common friends; it was like I was the Ugly Duckling. At least in India, it was easier to make friends because of a common language, but in America it seemed twice as difficult. Nothing optimistic was coming out of the immigration; it appeared to me that life just got arduous and wearisome!

My hopes reached sky high during ESL due to learning correct English pronunciations and grammar. Every day, I would go home and read picture books; my favorite one being Dr. Seuss's Cat in the Hat. During school, I would approach my classmates with a positive and friendly attitude having daily conversations with them realizing that indeed they were all open to new people!

Several weeks went by, as my commitment continued. Eventually my practice paid off. I was now in a familiar environment in school, where I could understand class and have many pleasant associations. Also, I was taken out of ESL due to my advanced grasping power on English!

Nightmares rarely transform into the dream that one never wants to end, but mine did! The one decision of shifting to America changed my life forever. If I had not moved to Austin, I would not have the friends, the life, or possibly even the quality education I have today. The dimness once seen in American life by the five-year old has changed to only a better and brighter future for a eighteen-year old!