When I arrived in the JFK Airport, it was a night, 11pm. There were not many people around, and the weather was cold. I felt lonely as well as excited that I finally got here; but I missed my mom and dad already. I felt I needed to have more confidence as I promised with myself before I left my home country. A Journey to the West reminds me my ambition I had when I left Korea, and just arrived in New York City, “Nothing in this world is difficult, but thinking makes it seem so. Where there is true will, there is always a way.”

I have worked in Korea town over seven years now for my tuition, rent and bills. This place is totally different area as compared other places in New York or Korea. I still have no idea of the reason why the community and people are so difficult. It is because of racial difference or suffering since they arrived in the U.S.? When I started to work here, and it was harsh that the thoughts and minds of people here were half Korean and half American, not their actual status. They were very mean and unkind; but I have understood them gradually, just do not want to be one of them, “There is that in me—I do not know what it is—but I know it is in me.”

Here is my sweet home where I only can relax in the city, “There is no suffering, no origination, no stopping, no path.”

Soyon Ahn