For many people, moving from one place to another is difficult for them to adjust the new environment. For my family, it was even more difficult because we moved from one country to another. I remember getting off from the plane and seeing all these foreign people. It was no doubt a big change in my life. I realized I had to learn a new language, make new friends, adjust a completely new environment and culture, and most importantly, take a lot more responsibilities in the family.

Although moving to the U.S. was definitely a big challenge for me, what really changed is the way i look at my parents. When I first came, I was afraid to speak English to anybody because I thought people would laugh and make fun of me. Once, my family and I were out shopping, and we had a question about the item we were buying. My dad wanted me to ask the seller, but I didn’t want to embarrass myself by speaking my “poor” English. However, my father went straight up to the guy and started speaking Mandarin and showing him some gestures and body languages. That moment, I thought to myself, even my dad, a guy who doesn’t speak English at all, can go up and do that, I should’ve been the person trying to ask. My mind was empty for a second, and I pulled my dad back and tried to talk to the guy. Luckily, the seller was nice and we got what we wanted.

I think what really matters is that my dad set up an example for me such that you don’t have to worry about how others see you, especially these strangers who you’re probably never going to see again.

Just go straight up and ask for whatever you want, say thank you and leave.