As I was reading the graphic novel “They Called Us Enemy” by George Takei, It reminds me of my struggles moving here and adapting to the lifestyle people had over here. My experience as a pure Asian moving to a foreign country had a lot of ups and downs. My parents didn’t speak any English at the time, I barely know how to speak English, or hardly at all. But, as I grow, I’ve learned useful skills to help me make friends and eventually, get along with a diverse group of people that I never knew even existed.

As I moved here in February, 2013, I was 8 years old at the time. The first thing that I saw was the giant airport, LAX. It was enormous like something out of a movie. As we got on to our transport, we were able to go to tourist locations and amusement parks. The joy I had that day is incomparable to the times I went to those places years after. It marked a memory in me, the fun part about my childhood.

When I started schooling, my first day at school was horrendous. I didn’t know what to do or who to talk to. My English level was at an all time low. I was struggling in school, I didn’t know how to do homework that even a 3rd grader can do. I felt like an outsider, unable to talk to anyone and not being able to understand what I was learning. It felt as if there was nothing I could do. Until I learned how to get through it by reading books, practicing how to say words I couldn’t pronounce before

As I got to middle school, I’ve seen the progress I have made and my hard work was paid off. I kept on refining my skills as a student. I was able to reach a 4.0 GPA every single semester. The time I had within that school, I was able to learn that with hard-work you can achieve anything that your heart desires. It also affected me mentally, I wasn’t able to relax and I always had work on my mind. That mindset led me to overworking myself and I then would succumb to exhaustion. I got sick and tired of doing work. I felt as it was useless and there was no purpose in doing it.

As I was promoted to high school, I felt as if I was no longer a minority. I was able to understand the life style people had over here and for once, I felt fit in. I was part of a community that shared my same interests and ideals. However, something didn’t feel right. I’m doing all these things just to try and fit in. It felt fake and I feel like I wasn’t myself. I kept this perfect image of myself as a normal American citizen and lost my identity. In due time, I was able to regain it by watching this video:

My identity is a superpower not an obstacle | America Ferrera

As I was saying, I just want everyone to know that being Asian doesn’t mean you should be treated differently and indifferently. We are the same as any other race from an open perspective. All we had that differentiate ourselves from the norms are our culture and identity. My parents always reminded me to stay true to identity. I always speak Vietnamese when I am at home and outside, I can speak English. It teaches me to always remember where I came from and how I can build myself without changing myself.