Self-Sufficient

       Four years ago, when my parents decided to send me to the United States, I have been very pressured in their expectations. As a thirteen year old, suddenly switching schools and leaving the country I have lived for most of my life was very difficult to think of. Moreover, staying apart with my family and getting to live with a host family seemed very uncomfortable and frightening. Agreeing to go to a school in the United States meant becoming independent even though I had guardians next to me. I did not have confidence that I would do extremely well in the United States because of my shy personality. I could not get along with strangers easily and most of all, I did not want to start a brand new chapter of my life unexpectedly. However, I could not express this to my parents because I did not want to upset them that their decision was flawed. I knew so greatly that my parent's decision of sending me to the United States alone was definitely not an easy task. Since I knew this, I tried to think everything in a positive way and change things affirmatively. I repetitively reminded myself which was more important to me: the present or the future. Then, I began to see things differently and act differently. My perspectives started to change naturally from negative to positive and I started to understand why I was sent to the United States: for my own benefit in the future.
       As I prepare to go to college next year, I know that this autonomy I have experienced from eighth grade would greatly reward me in my living. As I become mature, I expect myself to become more and more comfortable in my independence. I would be willing to take risks, whether they become successful or unsuccessful. Most importantly, thinking independently with my own decisions is a major improvement I received and will have receive in the future. Establishing my own personal space was vital to understanding my identity. Being self - sufficient may have been difficult and stressful, but it had made me become a strong, independent person who doesn't need the validation of others.