On this day in 2002, my family arrived in Baltimore with our IOM bag, a few clothing items, and lots of hope. Our journey had been long and exhausting, but we had finally made it to Amerika. I spoke zero English and knew absolutely nothing about how to live a life full of options. The transition in those first few months is a topic for another time.
Coming to Amerika is an incredible experience. For me, it was a clean slate where everything was new. From catching a bus to school to grocery shopping, excitement existed wherever I turned. I wanted to experience it all.
It is easy for me to see where those 18 years have gone. I was told I could dream big when we first arrived, so I did. Schooling, traveling, working, building a family. I completed my education in five countries on three continents. That most likely would not have happened if not for the opportunity to live in Amerika.
The best part of my journey has been watching my nuclear family grow along with me. My siblings have strived in many ways. Most of us now have our own families to raise. Our children are learning about our history as they get older. By the time another 18 years roll around, I hope that they will all have had a chance to visit the places we lived growing up. At the very least, I intend to make sure they all see where our family originated. The life we have built over the last 18 years has been a starting point for our US-born babies to live limitlessly. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for us.
