My First Day walking into a new life
But ever since we moved to the U.S., they’ve become surprisingly more motivating and kind. In 9th grade, one phrase lived rent-free in my head: “Look at your cousin—he’s working a part-time job and paying his own college tuition, and look at you...” That used to make me furious. Comparing a 14-year-old to a 23-year-old just felt ridiculous and unfair.
Lately, they’ve been supporting my hobbies way more than they ever used to. The biggest crash-out I ever saw from my mom was when I told her I wanted to be vegan. That was the angriest I had ever seen her. She timidly whispered that I would end up in a hospital and that they didn’t want to see that happen. It was a long debate, but I stood my ground. It’s been nine months, I haven’t been hospitalized once, and now they respect my choice. Before they buy any food, they call me and ask, “Son, can you eat this?” That one question and the two years of character redefinition completely changed the way I see my parents.
They also don’t pressure me to score exceptionally high anymore. Even when I got a 67% on a Calculus test, they smiled and told me they were proud of me for trying. Meanwhile, I was in tears because most of my friends scored higher. And the score itself isn’t what hurts the most—it’s the look the people give when they hear about it. The little eye squints filled with silent judgment.
Immigration really can change everything. And now, after reading Bo's story, I’m genuinely interested in how immigrating from Vietnam to the U.S. shaped him, too.
“I crossed an ocean to find a new life, but I never expected my parents to find new versions of themselves, too.”(ChatGPT)
I really liked the tone you developed in this. Learning about how your parents changed is quite similar to mine. My parents used to be D1 crash outs, or at least just my dad, but over the years he’s calmed down a lot. I like the part about you being a vegan because that is really impressive to me. I dont have the will power to cut out meat even though i know it’s terrible for the environment. I think this is my favorite one of your blogs.
ReplyDeleteI really like this blog because it dove deep into your life. The part where you said your parents would compare you to your cousin is so relatable. However, I think it is nice that your parents respect your choices (like being vegan) and that they’ve began to crash out less. Immigration really does change peoples perspectives on things because it puts them in a new enviornment. Also good job on being Vegan that’s really impressive.”
ReplyDeleteI really like how you made your blog so personal. I like how you took the main idea of immigration from The Best We Could and told your own story, it was really interesting.
ReplyDeletei really liked how this was a thoughtful reflection on how moving to the U.S. reshaped both you and your parents. You show clearly how their expectations softened and how your relationship changed as you grew into your own choices. It’s honest, personal, and connects well to the idea of identity shifting through immigration.
ReplyDeleteI like how you highlighted the change in your parents' attitudes toward academics and emotional support after the move. That shift in parental priorities is something I deeply connect with, having also experienced it as an immigrant from Sudan.
ReplyDeleteWhat really stands out is how you capture the in-between feeling of immigration—the part people don’t talk about enough. Everyone focuses on the culture shock, the new school, the new food, but you’re taking it deeper
ReplyDeleteps : my favorite part was when u cited chatGPT
Wow Vighnesh this is so heartfelt. It is really enlightening how immigration can change peoples actions and responses. It really stands out to me that you're are self aware enough to realize how much your parents have changed. This is such an insightful look into the book.
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