37 years...

It's that day of the year again - September 19th, the day when I landed in this country 37 years ago. 

The essay Michelle wrote below in red from more than two decades ago has been used so many times over the years. Well - it's still true today.

Today, I found the first diary entry I made after landing in this country 37 years ago. I was right - the impact of this deeply cherished journey on my entire life is immeasurable!!

1988.9.21 （三）

一切梦想都成了现实，

在这现实之中，

生活竟好似梦幻一般。

9月19日下午4点到芝加哥，我像仍在飞机上漂然，完全沉浸在梦中。无意中踏上了梦寐以求的土地... 这是新生活的开始。尽管我根本不知新生活会给我带来什么，但我深深地意识到，这种新生活对我整个一生的影响都是无法估量的！

 

AI Translation below:

1988.9.21 (Wednesday)

All dreams have become reality,
and within this reality,
life itself feels like a dream.

At 4 p.m. on September 19, I arrived in Chicago. It felt as if I were still floating on the plane, completely lost in a dream. Unwittingly, I stepped onto the land I had long yearned for… This is the beginning of a new life. Although I have no idea where this new life will lead me, I deeply realize that its impact on my entire life will be immeasurable!

On Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 06:05:20 AM CDT, Pei Tang <tang_pei@yahoo.com> wrote:

Today is the 35th anniversary of me being in this country - what a journey!! 

So grateful for everyone here, who has helped me in various ways throughout the years.

So grateful for everything, especially for being able to raise Dr. Michelle in this country...

Looking forward to the next 35 years!!

On Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 07:21:29 PM CDT, Pei Tang <tang_pei@yahoo.com> wrote:

It was 19 years ago, on 9/19/88, I arrived in this country and started my life in America.  It's been a great experience.  Looking back, I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had over the past 19 years.  I am particularly thankful for all the help and support I received from my graduate school professor, Dr. Edwin Thomas, during the early and most difficult days of my long journey in America.      

 

The following is an interview Michelle did for school when she was only 10.  I can say that it still accurately reflects my believe today. 

 

 

By Michelle Zhang

2/25/2001

 

For this report, I interviewed my mother who immigrated to this country from China.  She, like most other immigrants, came here for more opportunities to be successful in her career.  She also wanted to provide a better life for her future children. 

 

She came here in 1988 as a graduate student.  Right before the trip to America, she was a graduate student in Beijing.  Her life was not as bad as some immigrants because she knew some English.  In her high school in China, she was taught the American Language.  She was a little scared of her new life she'd have to start.  She didn't know anyone and only had $45.  After the first few weeks, she came to realize that people here were open and friendly.   

 

Fortunately, she did not experience any racism and prejudice.  She made many American friends at her job and they all respect her a great deal.  She says she likes America because you have all kinds of opportunities, and if you work hard, you are sure to succeed.