Following a Dream

Following a Dream

           Like many people, I came to the United States, in search of the American Dream. It is the dream that many immigrants believe to be true; the dream that all people can have happy  and successful lives if they work hard. Coming to the United States was the hardest decision in my life. I thought about the idea carefully.  I made a mental list of all the pros and the cons to decide if I should move to United States. The simple idea of  leaving family, friends and country was terrible and scary to me. When the day came to say goodbye I cried a lot, it was a traumatic moment. Ten years later I'm still crying.

        Before I arrived, my husband was preparing for our arrival. He had spent two years working, finding a new home, and learning English. My daughter and I arrived in a new world we had a new country. We left our family behind, we felt alone, and sometimes lonely. I had to learn the language, the traditions and the neighborhood along with new people. The change in my new life was so hard and I got depressed.

        For many years I did not know why I felt sad, some days were full of sadness. Other days seemed endless. I did not know how to deal with these feelings. Finally one day, I found an article in a magazine. This article was describing my feelings. I finally understood that I needed medical assistance. The diagnosis was depression and anxiety. I have had therapy, group therapy and some medications over the years. I'm  a work in progress.

        While all this was happening, I was continued taking care of my daughter. Fortunately, the changes were best for her. She went to Middle School, and then she went to high school and graduated with honors. Right now she is a sophomore in college. I'm very proud of her. She is my great strength.

       I decided I needed to study; I needed to speak, read and write English. I started school in September 2010. Before coming to school my vision of life was completely different than what it is now. For the last five years, day after day, bit by bit, something has been changing in me, in my life, in my family life, something good! Now I get it! I have regained confidence in myself! I graduated with a High School equivalency. The courses were difficult. I took years to finish. My hard work and dedication paid off. Now I'm a college student. I realize that I needed to continue studying to improve my life and be a good example for my beloved children.

        Now, the future looks hopeful. Now I know that my strength is in myself. Even though ten years later I'm still crying when I remember my family, I'm very proud of all my accomplishments. I can do everything because I'm strong. I'm powerful. I'm happy. I'm a new person.