Coming to America was definitely an ambivalent decision and a journey paved on mixed emotions. Settling in was more challenging than I expected it to be, and it was in those gloomy times that I doubted my decision more than ever. But like what most of you have told me, it's only a matter of time that I will get used to things, and be okay again.
Well, you guys are right.
Sure it took a lot of courage to face a depleting bank account, to bite your tongue and hold back your tears listening to a voice that is so soothing yet heartbreaking at the same time because it is a voice worn out with exhaustion but strong in her words and conviction. You feel so embarrassed ranting about petty problems, you feel your face grow hot, flushed red as she calm you down with wise words.. then you think to yourself, above all these hardships, she still is a level above the mess. But you see, she doesn't see it as a mess, nor does she view it as hardships. To her, it is merely life challenges. The salt to the sugar of life. That's when you smile and wipe your tears with a sense of gratitude in your heart for such an amazing mother.
It has been quite a journey (albeit it only being 4 months!) beginning with a rocky shaky start but now I can proudly say, that I have found my footing in this not so new, not as strange land! Gotten used to the education culture, to the speech pattern (omg. like you would not believe the lingo I've procured!), eating culture (cheese, pizzas, burgers, nachos, the ridiculous gargantuan size! urggggggggggghhhhhhhh. I'm such a fatty now), kinda know my way around (and by that, I mean from my apartment to campus ONLY) but the highlight of this semester; the highlight of me being in America is APhiG.
That's right. I pledged for a sorority and I am now a proud Sister of Alpha Phi Gamma. It's the best decision ever.
