A immigrated to the United States at 19-years-old from Central Asia having no knowledge of the English language and no experience with the American culture and ideals. She was scared, nervous, and did not know what to expect when moving to the an area New York State that has a big ethnic community.
A’s mother and close friend encouraged her to obtain an American education and work her hardest to succeed in this unfamiliar place. A was determined to be accepted into an American university and follow her dreams of helping others and giving back, and she has done exactly this. A worked her way through a college and university in New York to become a teacher in a well-renowned district.
Fast-forward seventeen years later, A went from learning English word-for-word to becoming a successful English Second Language (ESL) teacher for both high school and elementary students. This is her way of giving back, as she was once in these students’ position — terrified of the unknown and skeptical of what her future in America would be.
“Nothing comes to you. It’s not a country where everything is a given.”
A exclaimed that her American Dream was finally recognized when her entire family, including her mother, father, two sisters, aunt, and niece were able to settle down in NY together. Being able to unite in the “ultimate democracy” has been the highlight of A’s life in America. It has fulfilled her hopes and wishes, as she continues to grow and learn more about herself by working hard to educate those who she can relate to.
A is…
- 36 Years-Old
- Female, Cisgender
- Central Asian
- Working Class
- Heterosexual
Author’s Note
My experience interviewing A has opened my eyes to the reality of what it is like for someone to face adversity in a new place. During our conversation, A continuously emphasized the importance of setting goals, and she wants people in her position to understand that “Nothing comes to you. It’s not a country where everything is a given.” These comments stuck with me because they taught me more about self-empowerment and forced me to think about my own future and the kind of person I want to be.
Reflecting on what A described about her experience immigrating to America has allowed me to ponder about my personal dreams of starting a career, being a leader, and staying passionate about everything I set my mind to. A’s American dreams have further reinforced how paramount it is for people to respect other individuals’ differences in culture. It is essential to understand that everyone’s background impacts how they construct their own beliefs and dreams. After speaking with A, I am more appreciative of what I have been given and the opportunities that lie ahead. Immigrating to America has made A an even stronger, independent women whom I respect for her bravery, ambitiousness, and motivation.