Pink Think: “Leaving home in a sense involves a kind of second birth in which we give birth to ourselves.” – Robert Neelly Bellah
I consider July 19, 1987 (21 years ago this past Saturday), the day of my rebirth. That was the day I first came to the United States from the Philippines.
Some people are surprised to find out that the reason I came to the U.S. was my mother being sent to Utah by her government agency on a summer scholarship. I was the only one living at home then, so my father suggested I go with my mother on a few weeks-long vacation. I would stay with my uncle in L.A. while Mom went to Utah.
On the one hand, I was concerned about missing school. It was July and I was already a month into my first semester at a prestigious university. On the other hand, I was not having a fun first month. I felt lost and overwhelmed; the atmosphere in class was very competitive (imagine a roomful of valedictorians majoring in business; very cutthroat).
So I decided to go with my mother to the U.S. (to most people this would have been a no-brainer) and my life changed forever.
I was 15 (We didn’t have 11th and 12th grade in our high school, thus the younger age starting college). I would have gone to USC in LA if I could have gotten a scholarship. But I didn’t. My time in L.A. was almost up. Mom called from Utah, saying, “There are some farmers who are willing to sponsor your first year.”
I came to Utah, and though the scholarship didn’t happen (the farmers didn’t like the fact that Filipinos were attacking Americans at bases), I got my BS in English from Utah State University, married Drew and stayed on.
If I hadn’t come to the U.S., most likely I would not have:
1. joined the LDS Church at 19
2. met and married my husband (who is a Utahn)
3. changed majors from business to English
4. been writing novels
5. become a stay at home mom
6. crafted a life that has been very, very good to me. The American Dream? I am living it.
July 19 marks a special day. It was the day of my rebirth, of second chances.
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What a neat story. Glad you decided to come!
Nice. And congrats.
I have two daughters that just became duel citizens of the U.S. and the Philippines one week ago.
The consulate comes to Montana once a year for a Fiesta Rama, and while I was in NYC last month I picked up the paperwork so it was all good to go.
(Long story there somewhere…)
Happy re-birthday!
I’m so glad that you are here.
Sabine & Melinda: Thanks!
Jamie: Cool! Sounds like an interesting story :-).
I wish I could feel that way about coming to Utah.
For me, it was the day I was assigned to Purgatory.
:^>But really good things have happened to me here, so I really can’t complain.
I’m sorry it’s been like purgatory for you. 🙂 As for me I have loved Utah. Especially now that we are raising three young children.