My American dream

Life can be very difficult, education gives hope my life will be better, education can help a person through the hard times. Sometimes the most worthwhile things in life can take a long time and can be very hard to find in the end. But, Education can make a difference in life.

I was born in an education family where both my parents were teachers in China.  When my sisters and I were lazy about school, they always told us that we are lucky to enjoy a good education. My parents grew up in the early days of a new China. In the 1960s, there was a movement in China called "the Cultural Revolution," which is about the educated urban youth going to work in the countryside or mountain areas. They thought that labor was a greater honor than education, so during those hard years schools were closed. All the young students responded to the party's call to work in rural areas. The slogan, "the most glorious work," encouraged people in the cities to work in rural areas to help reform them.

A few years later, the government reinstated the college entrance examination system, so all youth had a chance to go to college. My parents they were very happy. When they were younger, they worked very hard at the farm during the day. They got up at midnight to study hard with kerosene lights, because they had no electricity. They knew that college was the only way to have greater opportunities, including the possibility of return to the city. They did not want to be famers their whole life. After they got teaching degrees they worked in schools in Shanghai. Eventually, my parents decided they should go back to where they worked before because they knew no one wanted to teach in the poor villages. They devoted their youth as volunteers to those children who desired a good education in the poor desert city. Education changed my parent’s lives and the power of imparting knowledge to others was and is very significant. I grew up listening to their past and also witnessed their dedication to education. Every year, they always receive greetings from students, whether it was Teacher's Day or Spring Festival. Their experiences showed the value and significance of education.

After I graduated from college with an associate degree in computer science, I worked for the police as a computer technician. Two years later, I did not feel that it used all of my special talents and knowledge. I started graphic design training after work and earned a certificate. I quit the police office job and took a job with the graphic design company. I loved that job because their pay was three times more than the government job. After a couple years I moved to the biggest design company in Shanghai. I hoped to start my own graphic design company. During that time, I read marketing and business books and went to sales training to learn how to become good at sales. I talked to my company’s human resources department and told them I want to move to sales department. My technical background and good customer service helped me get a sales job. Later, I started my own graphic design company. I did well and was successful.  All these achievements were possible because I continued my education.

         I still need education as life showed me. While following my dream in china, I met and married an American man. I left China and moved to America. Even though I always get an “A” in English class when I was in China, in America my English level is just like a little baby.  While I could speak reasonable English, I could not read or write English.  I felt alone in a forgotten corner. So, I ask myself “What can I do?”  Because of my limited English I can only get labor jobs. I still wanted to learn so I went to college to register. But my husband got laid off, so I had to work to support the family. I worked eighty hours a week at two jobs but still dreamed of going to college. 

Every new immigrant has an American dream. My American dream is an American college degree.  I attend college at Inver Hills Community College. I am one of the oldest students in the school. I am so glad I am with these young adults learning together. My friends said they know I have a lot of stress. But every time I talk about school my face tells them I are excited and happy. I enjoy all the professors with their lovely hearts who take time to help each student grow with their professional education. My school has provided tutors and others to help foreigners like me. Western education culture is amazing. I cannot believe that at my age I still have chance sit in the class to absorb knowledge of things like nutrition. In China this would never happen. But in USA it is happening to me. I am a lucky person. My goal is to get a two-year Associates degree and then continue to get my bachelor’s degree.  I hope that with this education I will get a good job to support my daughter. I also want to support her future education. My education will help us both have a better life.

          My parents know I go to school and they are proud of me. They know after I get college degree their daughter will not have to work a labor job. They know that I will have a good life waiting for me. They forgive the missed phone calls because they do not want to bother me during my homework time. They always support and encourage me, telling me that education has no age limit. Also, education is an emotional bond that narrows the distance from me to my parents. They care very much about my daily school and my learning. I always hear their words in my heart. I imagine inviting them to attend my graduation ceremony and exciting scene of my graduation. Because I believe My American dream of education is also their dream.