Coming to America was probably the scariest, but greatest experience in the world. I had always dream of traveling to America because of the great stories that I have heard from relatives family friends. Another reason for me wanting to come was because my parents had gone to America for a better life for me and my siblings. They left when I was about 7 years old and I hadn't seen them in a long time. The journey to coming here was an absolute pleasure.
My journey began when I was born on June 16, 1995 in the South East Asian country of the Philippines. I had lived and grew up in this country up until I was 13 years old. I had lived in this great country surrounded by 40 plus loving first cousins, several uncles, several aunts, and my sweet grandparents. I was surrounded by love even when my parents weren't around. There were sad times when I wished for my parents to be there, but I knew it was almost impossible. They had gone to America and the plane tickets were expensive. They had to work to provide for our needs. Still, I prayed that one day I would be able to be reunited with them again.
In the Philippines, my siblings and I would receive gifts and random stuff from my aunt or parents who were in America. It was an absolute euphoria whenever a box of goods would come to our front door! Each box is full of chocolates, toys, candy, clothes, shoes, more chocolates, and even more chocolates. It was so awesome because my parents always tried to give us our needs and wants. They were great parents because they never ceased to provide, sacrifice, and love us.
Flash forward to 2008, my dreams were finally about to be realized! It was February 2, 2008 when we left the Philippines to Hong Kong. This flight was going to be the first flight of a series of flight that would last close to 26 hours. From Hong Kong, we flew across the Pacific Ocean for 16 hours straight! I loved flying but man was that flight was just too much. We landed in Los Angeles where I had my first glimpse of America! It was great because it seemed like everyone was extremely nice and everyone was smiling and saying hello. It was really different from my country. One example was when we first ate at Chili’s in the airport. I ran out of my cold and tasty soda when the server took it. I thought to myself "why did she take my cup?” Then the most amazing thing happened. She came back for more drinks! I looked at my dad and I was confused. Was it really unlimited drinks??? My dad simply laughed and nodded because his mouth was full from the hamburger that he was eating. This concept of unlimited drinks to me was new because we had never had it in the Philippines. There was no such thing as free refills!
We finally reached our final destination; Corpus Christi on February 3rd. Corpus Christi was so beautiful to me. It was really glad that it was a coastal city because it reminded me much of home. I loved the water and knowing that I was close to the water was comforting. After so long, I was finally reunited with my family. It took forever but it was absolutely worthwhile. As I've come to make Corpus Christi and Texas (THE BEST STATE EVER) my home, I know for sure that I am truly blessed.
My journey began when I was born on June 16, 1995 in the South East Asian country of the Philippines. I had lived and grew up in this country up until I was 13 years old. I had lived in this great country surrounded by 40 plus loving first cousins, several uncles, several aunts, and my sweet grandparents. I was surrounded by love even when my parents weren't around. There were sad times when I wished for my parents to be there, but I knew it was almost impossible. They had gone to America and the plane tickets were expensive. They had to work to provide for our needs. Still, I prayed that one day I would be able to be reunited with them again.
In the Philippines, my siblings and I would receive gifts and random stuff from my aunt or parents who were in America. It was an absolute euphoria whenever a box of goods would come to our front door! Each box is full of chocolates, toys, candy, clothes, shoes, more chocolates, and even more chocolates. It was so awesome because my parents always tried to give us our needs and wants. They were great parents because they never ceased to provide, sacrifice, and love us.
Flash forward to 2008, my dreams were finally about to be realized! It was February 2, 2008 when we left the Philippines to Hong Kong. This flight was going to be the first flight of a series of flight that would last close to 26 hours. From Hong Kong, we flew across the Pacific Ocean for 16 hours straight! I loved flying but man was that flight was just too much. We landed in Los Angeles where I had my first glimpse of America! It was great because it seemed like everyone was extremely nice and everyone was smiling and saying hello. It was really different from my country. One example was when we first ate at Chili’s in the airport. I ran out of my cold and tasty soda when the server took it. I thought to myself "why did she take my cup?” Then the most amazing thing happened. She came back for more drinks! I looked at my dad and I was confused. Was it really unlimited drinks??? My dad simply laughed and nodded because his mouth was full from the hamburger that he was eating. This concept of unlimited drinks to me was new because we had never had it in the Philippines. There was no such thing as free refills!
We finally reached our final destination; Corpus Christi on February 3rd. Corpus Christi was so beautiful to me. It was really glad that it was a coastal city because it reminded me much of home. I loved the water and knowing that I was close to the water was comforting. After so long, I was finally reunited with my family. It took forever but it was absolutely worthwhile. As I've come to make Corpus Christi and Texas (THE BEST STATE EVER) my home, I know for sure that I am truly blessed.