topic:There is a Quaker saying"Let your life speak" Describe the environment in which you were raised--your family,home,neighborhood or comminity--and how it influenced the person you are today.(200~250Words)
At age thirteen I became accustomed to translating and answering nearly incomprehensible questions about the income and backgrounds of my parents, despite that I was not even fluent in English. At school the other students laughed at my accent, and, although my head swam with innovative ideas, I couldn’t bring myself to share them. I hadn’t anticipated the challenges I would face in America. Although I had often moved within Korea, relocating overseas was different; once I stepped outside my little country, my family and I had no relatives or friends to help us.
One day when I was feeling angry and frustrated with my circumstances, I apprehensively asked my father, "Why am I here?" He told me about how he had once had a chance to attend a university in America but could not because of his family's finances. He said that it was tragic to give up his dream, and that he did not want me to have to face that same tragedy.
From time to time, my father tells me his stories of struggle and triumph. My struggles are hardly over, but I have already triumphed. Had I not immigrated, I would no have learned to take risks and overcome challenges. Feeling like an outsider, unaccepted and judged, was painful, but it made me more compassionate and patient with people who I am just getting to know. Right when I asked the question why am I here, I remembered that he asked my mother, my sister, and me about our opinions on immigrating to America before he made the final decision to move. Though I was a little young to make my own life changing decisions, I answered with a strong yes. Then I understood that I made my own choice and every choice brings the decision maker a responsibility. Besides, I understand myself better because I have not had and do not need others’ input to make decisions.
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