My Second Life

 

I move to the United States to pursue my studies in college. I was born and raised in Cote d’Ivoire, a country located in west Africa. Back in my country, I was kind of a trouble-maker. In high school, my behavior became worse due to some issues I had with my mother and my grand-mother. They finally come out with the idea of me going to college abroad, so I can gain some maturity and independence. Before coming to the United States, I was concerned about what my second life would like once I live in Chicago, how people would see me, how would I fit in, and would I ever be able gain some cultural aspects.  

When I got to Chicago, I wasn’t feeling very different because I am black, and there are also a lot of black people in the United States, especially in Chicago. I thought I could fit in easily. I came to Chicago during spring time. In fact, during the summertime, I used to go out a lot, but I have also noticed that I don’t dress like the other girls around me. We have a whole different style. One day, I went out. It was a very beautiful day, so I decided to go do some shopping. People started looking at me in a certain way more than once; I was concerned. I was still and I noticed that many black girls were wearing shorts, crop tops and sneackers while, I was wearing a blue dress and some sandals. Since that day, I knew I would never fit in with the way I dress. In addition, people pay a lot of attention to the way other people talk and also a lot of attention in their appearance. They always notice if people have an accent, so they can manage how to behave to people. For example, I was by myself downtown and someone came to talk to me. At the moment we started talking, he immediately noticed my French accent. He asked me where I was from, and started to act weirdly because at that period he knew I wasn’t American. Also, some people have an attitude of only talking to you because you’re a foreigner or choose not to talk to you because you are a foreigner, and that was a very frustrating experience for me. Overall, one of my first experiences in the United States wasn’t as good as I imagined in my head. 

On the other hand, since I moved to Chicago, I have accomplished so many things that thought I would never be able to do on my own back home. In fact, I have gained a lot of academic skills. For example, in Cote d’Ivoire, I had good skills in math and physics but not at all in literature. When I started college in the United States, I was aware of my lack of knowledge, so I worked on myself to improve certain skills. In fact, I wasn’t able to write a complete essay. I worked hard and I ended up having the best grades in writing at the end of my first semester and I was very proud of myself. For example, in the beginning of every class each semester, the instructor usually asks you to write a quick essay about you and the reason you are taking this class. In the first class, I couldn’t write more than ten sentences, but now I am able to a maximum of two paragraphs and even more. In these past times, I have also gained a lot of maturity. In fact, I used to be very immature, and I didn’t know how to manage the money my parents would give me. For example, if they give a certain amount for the month, in the middle of the month my money would already be spent. I have decided to make some plans to mange my money. Now on, at the beginning of every month, I make a list of all the things I need, and all the things I don’t need. Also, I try to manage my money by making a spending planner so I would be able to track my spending, and even make some savings. 

In conclusion, I learned that it is not easy to fit in the United States due to your appearance and your background. Also, since I moved in the United States, I have gained a lot of maturity and responsibility. Moving in another country in general a good way to learn more about yourself and also, people around the world. I am glad I came to study in the United States, because It permitted me to meet new people and learn new things. I look forward to meet new people, discover new places, and finally learn more experiences. 

 

Exceptional Insight

       

    

The name Naina is significant in various cultures, especially in India, where it is commonly used and has many meanings across different languages. In Hindi, Naina means beautiful eyes and is also the name for one of our Goddesses. It is associated with the idea of inner vision, deeply understanding and the ability to see the world.

            My parents have named me Naina, because ever since I was born, I've heard that my eyes are very beautiful, big and attractive. In different cultures, Naina has different meanings. In Indian culture it could symbolize beauty, grace or depth of emotion-- reflecting the beauty found within eyes.

            Many songs and dialogues have been made in the Indian film industry, Bollywood with my name Naina. When I was too young everyone used to say "Naina, your eyes are very beautiful". There are many fascinating meanings and interpretations of my name, like exceptional view, wisdom demonstrating, ability to see beyond the surface, understanding in challenging situation, deep emotional connection with others through vision or understanding.

            Overall, the name Naina means eyes and also a name that belongs to a Goddess. I love my name Naina and I never want to change my name, because Naina adores the world with beautiful eyes and reflecting the depth of her own soul.

 

Heaven or Hell

 Heaven or Hell 

    Before immigrating, people thought that living aboard could be better than in their country, but when they arrive and face the challenges, some may change their minds. My story began when I met my boyfriend, who is a U.S. citizen. He described the U.S. as heaven, and I thought I should rescue myself from the hell of my country Iran. I forced myself to work and passed the IELTS exam, so I could get admission from one of the universities in Chicago. After all the trying and hard finally, I arrived in the U.S. In the beginning, Chicago was a perfect place for my night and daydreaming. However, after a month, my challenges started. I had to build myself into a new person, and I had to fit into the new life and gain new things. For most of my life, I never thought I would need to change just to live in other countries until I came to Chicago.

    After immigration, there are several challenges that an individual is going through to fit in the new place. The most essential challenge that I faced was cultural conflicts between the United States and  Iranian culture. People's behavior was the first cultural difference that came to my mind. Moreover, I had to figured out different behaviors when people greet each other. For instance, shaking hands is a must in Iran regardless of the relationship between two people. However, in the United States people greet each other based on how close they are. The second important challenge that I faced was language. Learning English is the most common problem that people who immigrate to the United States have. I was not an exception even though I passed the IELTS exam. The IELTS exam is a good practice for learning academic English, but it is not useful in daily and common conversations. Also, it didn’t help to develop my listening skills. For example, I had a hard time understanding different accents in Chicago, and I was scared to speak with someone over the phone. 

    Despite all the challenges that I had, the U.S. gave me another life that I never had before that gives me new experiences. For example, I never managed a house in Iran and my parents always did everything, but right now I need to be independent. I am required to pick up responsibilities. For example, I have to clean my home, buy the groceries, and cook the meals. Furthermore, four years ago I didn’t know even an English word. However, my dream of immigrating to the United States required me to learn a new language. About a year, I studied hard and learned English and I’m still learning. The U.S. gave me the opportunity to learn another language and meet a new community.

    In conclusion, immigration can create a new person, and it gives some values, challenges, opportunities, and achievements. Sometimes, I am supposed be a person that I’ve never been, or I should change the routines. While most people who live in their country think that living abroad is like heaven, I believe it’s like the process of making a diamond. Diamonds need to the high pressure and temperature, and after they get high values. If want to be successful in the future, soI need to pay the price now. That is the moral of my story.