My American Story

Two lives

My whole family was born in the Philippines.  It starts with my grandfather’s sister Lily. She is the one who petition my grandparents. My grandparents came here to the United States in 1991. Their children were left behind in the Philippines because they were over 21 years old and married.  That’s why my mother was unable to come to the United States.  My mother finally arrived in the United States in 1996 as a tourist. The happiest moment in her life is being with her family. My uncle’s most memorable aspect in his life was when he saw different kinds of cars when he arrived. Now, he works at an automotive company.  My family came to United States because of job opportunities, education, and a better life.

The life in the Philippines is difficult and different compared to United States. I lived in San Pablo City for 11 years with my uncle’s family. Occasionally, my father wants my sister and me to go to our house in their town, Siniloan. I would ride a tricycle to get there and to the market. The tricycle is a motorcycle with a side car and with a roof on top. It’s funny but dangerous because I would see up to seven people riding on it. A tricycle is usually used for short distance. I would also ride a jeepney for going on long distance trips. Jeepney is one of the most common transportation in the Philippines. Jeepney was originated in the North America.  The Filipinos got their inspiration from the Americans. It was a jeep that was left behind from the military during World War 2. Cars are not usually seen unless you’re in the big city, Manila. This is the capital of the Philippines. At my father’s house we would use a water pump to get water. It’s used to take a bath. We would sometimes boil the water when it’s too cold to take a bath in. Philippines are a third world country. The technologies are not as advanced as the United States. There are not enough job opportunities for everyone. A lot of people end up migrating to other countries.

When I was 2 years old I visited the United States. I was here for 3 months with my father, sister, and mother in 1996. We went to Disney land, universal studios, and San Francisco. After 3 months, we went back to the Philippines. My mother stayed behind and did not go back with us.  My mother did not tell me why she stayed behind and we have had to go. I guess she thought I was a child and I wouldn’t understand. I cried and I tried to stop her from staying. My father, sister, and I left without her and I grew up without knowing my mother’s face. My nanny took care of me since I was born till I left the Philippines in 2005. I treated my nanny as my own mother because she really loves me and she stayed with me even though my father didn’t pay her anything. I felt really sad when I left the Philippines because I left my friends, relatives, my dad, and especially my nanny.

On July 2005, my mother and stepfather petition my sister and me to the United States. I lived in National City, San Diego for 5 years. Now I recently just moved here in El Segundo because of family problems. Moving to the United States has brought some positive aspects like education, easier daily living, and most of all I met my best friend in San Diego and I wish I could be with her every day. The negative element is that after settling in San Diego for 5 years. My mother forced my sister and me to move here in El Segundo. It is really hard to adjust especially, at a new school. I know that this is just another challenge for me and I will get through this. We moved out here because it would benefit the whole family. Overall, my life in the US has been many precious memories with my friends and family. Our problems will only serve as a stepping stone towards successful and blissful life.