It
just occurred to me that today, 9/19/2017, is my 29-year anniversary of
being in this country. I could not believe I was able to find the
email below from 10 years ago... Time really flies!!
Looking
back on the 29 years, I am not only thankful for the "opportunities"
I've had in this country, but also truly grateful for life -- for
everything I have experienced and everyone I have met along the way.
Thank
you for being such good friends for so many years; thank you for
teaching me to cherish every moment in life; and thank you for taking
this amazing journey with me!
From: Pei Tang <tang_pei@yahoo.com>
To: Pei Tang <tang_pei@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 18, 2007 7:21 PM
Subject: 19 years...
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.
