How Coming to America Changed my Life

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How Coming to America Changed my Life
Summary

Narrate the transformative experience of immigrating to America. Focus on cultural adjustments, opportunities, challenges, and personal growth. Discuss the impact on identity, worldview, and aspirations. Include personal stories or interviews to provide diverse perspectives on the immigrant experience. PapersOwl offers a variety of free essay examples on the topic of America.

Date added
2021/07/04
Pages:  4
Words:  1160
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Moving from Nigeria to the United States permanently feels great, but at the same time, it is sad leaving some loved ones and family behind. Most people have several events or things that have changed their life or their way of thinking. One of the major changes that occurred in my life was when I moved from Africa to America. This change has entirely affected my personality positively. Why? Many foreigners want to come to America mostly in search of greener pastures and to further education.

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It was about seven years ago when I first set foot on the soil of the United States of America, and I remember vividly how it all started with a dream. I was born in the western part of Africa, in a country called Nigeria, the motherland with enormous beautiful colors and culture. I am from the hot and humid air of Benin, from dusty dirt roads and sweltering sun. Nigeria, the giant of Africa, is where I saw the monstrous faces of war. It is the land where I cried my first cry, dreamt my first dream, and smiled my first smile. The beauty of my background, Nigeria, is the only land I call and will ever call my own, where most people are suffering yet smiling because the future is the only bright light we can see.

At the age of four, my parents left Nigeria for the United States in search of a better life, not just for them, but most importantly for me. While they were out of the country, I stayed with my grandmother and some other members of my family. It was a cold and silent night when my family gathered to say a prayer before going to sleep. I was so young and scared to sleep in a room by myself, so I loved sharing a room with my beloved grandma and cousin. As I laid down and closed my eyes to sleep, I had a strange and amazing dream. I saw myself playing in the streets of Atlanta with a group of friends from both races; apparently, I was in the U.S. in the dream. Then, I opened my eyes, wondering what the dream could possibly mean. Suddenly, the phone rang; it was my mother calling from the U.S. As I got up to pick up the phone, my mother said to me with so much joy and excitement that I was coming to live with her in the United States. I was speechless with great happiness, and I jumped for joy; at the age of nine, I was amazed to know that my dream had come into existence. So yes, God does work in mysterious ways that no one can explain.

The next day came, and I had to travel to the capital city of my country to obtain my passport and other necessary documents for travel. Weeks and days went by, and my excitement lessened as I began to realize how much I would miss home, especially my lovely grandma because of the bond we shared. I knew I would miss them deeply, so I began to cherish the days I had left to spend with them before my trip. However, I was still full of happiness because I could not wait to see my parents again after so many years. It was the middle of October, and the week of my trip had arrived; I needed to start packing and continue my preparations. I knew I was about to open a new chapter of my life, which included new clothes, so I decided to let go of all the material things by sharing with family, friends, and other kids who I thought would love and use something new. I only packed a few things in a small-sized luggage that I would need when I arrived at my destination.

On the day of my departure, my driver arrived at about 4:00 p.m., and I was ready to go. I broke down emotionally after seeing the tears of my grandmother and my other loved ones. Although we were all still happy, the feeling became bittersweet as we said our farewells. However, I knew I had to leave, to have a better life, a brighter future, further my education, and of course, to be with my lovely parents. I arrived at the airport at approximately 8:30 p.m., and my plane was set to take off at about 10:00 p.m., so I had enough time to go through the checkpoints and check in my luggage. It was an exhilarating feeling flying in an airplane for the first time.

Finally, on October 16, 2010, I arrived in the U.S.; it was indeed a dream come true. I looked through the window and saw a place that looked completely different from what I had ever known. As I stepped out, I felt the cool weather and fresh air; I had never experienced cold temperatures like the one here in America, mainly because I was so used to the summer and warm temperatures in Nigeria.

Moving to the United States has profoundly impacted my life and taught me a lot. There were several things that I had never really thought about, such as the people, their way of thinking, the type of food they eat, their culture, and especially the education system. I curiously wondered what this new school system would be like for me and if I could manage to cope and blend in with the rest of the students without losing myself and what makes me unique and different. Although I had a tough time transitioning from the Nigerian to the American system, as time went by, I learned and began to understand more.

The journey of adapting to a new culture was both challenging and enlightening. I was filled with great hope and excitement as I began to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor in the United States of America. The education system, though different, opened up new avenues for learning and growth, allowing me to explore subjects and areas I had never considered before. It was not just about academic learning but also about acquiring life skills and understanding diverse perspectives.

In conclusion, moving from Nigeria to the United States was a transformative experience that reshaped my identity and outlook on life. It was a journey from the familiar warmth and vibrancy of Nigeria to the diverse and multifaceted environment of America. While it was heart-wrenching to leave behind loved ones, the opportunities and experiences I gained were invaluable. This move taught me resilience, adaptability, and the courage to embrace change. It strengthened my resolve to succeed and fulfill my dreams while cherishing my roots. The journey is ongoing, and as I continue to navigate life in America, I carry with me the rich tapestry of my Nigerian heritage, blending it with my new experiences to create a future full of promise and possibilities.

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How Coming to America Changed my Life. (2021, Jul 04). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/how-coming-to-america-changed-my-life/