Standing on a Small Island Alone

Video Transcript

In August of 2016, I landed on United States, leaving all of my old friends, my dog, my school, everything to learn English. The sky was very high and clear and I could feel the hot sunlight giving heat to the air. The weather was nice but not to me. Everything came to me with fear.

It was just two weeks before going to school and I was already freaking out.

I was nervous day and night, had no appetite, and couldn’t stop thinking about bad situations that might happen. I tried to think positives thoughts but it didn’t work. I was afraid that everyone wouldn’t like me because I’m an asian who can’t speak English. After waiting 2 stressful weeks, it was the day, the first day of school. I knew it would be very difficult for me and it was.

I spent a day staying still in each classrooms full of students I don’t know who speak my second language, English. I sweated and breathed so hard all day. I started crying when I talked with my parents eating dinner. I kind of blamed them for bringing me to America. I told them I want to go back and I miss everything in Korea. However, there was no going back. I knew that and realized that just crying like a baby will not help me.

I decided to stay strong which is really hard to do.

The several first weeks of school just felt like standing on a small island alone with no supplies that will help me to survive. Later, I got used to the environment around me. Also, as time went, I met good friends and teachers who are helping me so much that I feel always thankful for them. Overcoming this situation, I got to know that there is always a way out from the problem I have and nice people who will help me find the way out so all I have to do is trying my best and staying strong.