If I Came To America To Study Abroad

As a student who came to America to study abroad, I often wonder, “How would it be if I stayed in Korea? What would have changed? How have I changed since I left Korea?” From the moment I arrived at LAX airport, California as a young girl age of 14, what I got to experience in the States strongly influenced me to be persevering, courageous, and diligent. Sitting on an airplane coming to California, I had no idea what will happen and what kind of responsibilities I needed to live in this foreign country without my parents. When I was in Korea, I was an introverted girl who would rather stay home than go outside and make new friends. So on the first day of school, not being able to speak fluent English at all, I was scared to death even to say hi to whomever I made an eye-contact with and ended up coming home blaming myself for not being sociable and awkward, and regretting coming to America. As the weeks pass by, I continually tried to start a conversation with other students in the class and put extra time to keep up with academics since everything was in English. Finishing the homework was my priority and staying up late to prepare for quizzes and tests were usual. As I was studying and making friends, ten months had passed, and I was able to accomplish receiving a High Honor
It was tough because the moving meant to me to give up what I had built on and start all over again. Especially the fact that I was going to a high school without knowing anybody was terrifying. However, there was nothing I could do except adapting myself to the new surroundings. This change influenced me to be more courageous than I was in California because whether the moving was my decision or not, I didn’t hide within my boundary and stepped out to fit myself into a different environment: joining clubs, starting a conversation with students at school, and spending time with host