Our bags were packed, our house was sold, and there was no going back. The future that seemed so clear and certain just months ago became frightening and vague. We were entering a world that had a different culture, language and expectations. So many questions were rushing through our minds about what awaited us on the other side of the world. The old life that we had once knew - family, friends, work, school - was all in the past; however, my parents were sure that the opportunities that our new life would present would be incomparable to anything that our past held.
My family and I immigrated to the United States from Russia. At the time I was twelve years old. Each and every one of us was faced with a situation that was very stressful and strenuous emotionally. I, too, was attempting to find my niche in the new surroundings. As I entered school, everything seemed unfamiliar and strange to me. My poor knowledge of the English language made school unbearable. Countless hours of translating foreign words and attempting to make sense of the material day after day was a very laborious task; however, the combination of hard work and persistence eventually paid off. The language barrier was broken, and I was finally able to "fit in" with the crowd, oblivious to the fact that I had yet many more obstacles to face.
It was hard for me to draw the line between getting adjusted to a new atmosphere, and losing my roots and heritage; I felt that I was in between two worlds. With my expanding ability to communicate I started to adopt the culture of my new home, thus ignoring my heritage and the values taught to me by my parents. Instead of confronting the conflict between the two worlds, I withdrew into one, leaving the other behind.
Finding that balance was not an easy task, and it took me some time to acknowledge the benefits of preserving my cultural background. It was essential for me to recognize where I came from and who I am.