By Yung-Yi Chang
Dear Me from 2 Years Ago,
You’re carrying little more than a suitcase and entering a new world that you don’t know. You’re also carrying the weight of a new language in your mouth.
No one warns you how exhausting it is to translate English into Chinese.
In your 9th grade year, you almost can’t understand anything in class, constantly feeling awkward because you can’t even answer a single question when the teacher is asking. When speaking in English, you always hesitate, and your voice becomes low and weird; this is why you are afraid of speaking to others. You work hard on your English and are able to speak to others after a while.
This struggle feels heavier because you’re at the age when you are learning who you are and where you belong. Immigrating as a teenager especially makes people feel insecure but it will also help you become stronger. Not only will you learn a new language, but you will find yourself a new place in this world. I know it is really hard for you to be here in America, but this is where you find your strength. Each challenge here will always help you to grow despite being at such a young age, and you will be able to handle many problems by yourself and become a better person.
I know it is hard for you to be in a new and unfamiliar country, but you will try your best to fit into everything, from school to friends to culture. People will love to talk to you, especially when you do your best to make a joke, and it turns out that everyone will love it and laugh.
You will deserve all your successes due to your hard work. There will be one specific moment that will show that you’re growing strong. During a group project, everyone will be talking about their ideas, and you’re the only one who can’t say anything–at first. You want to share some ideas, but are scared to speak out because English is not your first language. Finally, you stand up and share your ideas, and everyone agrees with you. After that, people start talking to you, and they find you interesting. This will help you feel more confident, something hard earned from all your efforts.
Attending school in a new country and learning a new language is one of the bravest things that a person can do. Feel proud that you had the courage to do it.
One day, you will no longer be behind; you will overcome the barriers to improve your English to the next level. So live freely and don’t let the pressure get to you.
You’re going to do just fine.
Sincerely,
Claire
