This I believe that “everything happens for a reason.”
Every event that takes place in one’s life, whether it is good or bad, has a purpose. This I believe that everything happens for a reason because it will one day lead you to a better life – despite the bumps during the journey.
Imagine one day, at six years old, being told that you were to pack up your life and leave behind the people you knew to live in a new country. This country is one that so many praise and one that is expected to help you live out your dream, the American Dream.
I remember the day I said goodbye to my family and friends to move to the United States. I may have only been six years old, but I knew it meant that I would be gone for a while, and possibly for forever. Starting a new life is never easy, especially not for a six year old. My family and I were allowed eight suitcases to fill our lives with. We would start a new life with what we could fit, and the rest would be left behind.
After an eight hour flight, the plane touched down in John F. Kennedy Airport in New York – nearly seven hours away from my new home. From there, my family and I got on yet another plane. This plane ride was not eight hours long, but three. I then landed in my new home state – Virginia. From there, my uncle picked us up and we headed to our new home.
At six years old, I was excited and afraid. This was a new place, and it looked spectacular! But, I was also a six year old that did not know a single word in English. How could I communicate with others? After starting school and enrolling in an ESL (English Second Language) program, I became fluent in a second language at the age of eight. I could now communicate with others without having to worry.
I lived in Chesterfield for nearly two years, then I moved to Hopewell. I lived in Hopewell for about four years. My journey through the United States ended up with me in Prince George County where I met people who will leave the biggest impact on my life. For this, I believe that everything happens for a reason.
In the beginning, I did not understand why the decision was made, and I could never seem to wrap my head around the idea of leaving behind my home. This I believe that everything happens for a reason because of who I am today, sitting here and reflecting on the past.
Everything happens for a reason because even though my journey in the United States has not been easy, it has shaped me to be who I am today. My two worlds collided when I came to the United States, and I was able to bring two cultures together so I could become the person I am today. Had my parents not made the tough decision to leave behind their families, I would not be here, telling you my journey in a language I never knew I would be fluent in. This I believe that everything happens for a reason because if my parents did not make certain sacrifices, I would not have met the amazing people I now know and I would not be where I am today.
