A new life by Tien

A new life by Tien - August 2014 Scholarship Essay

Everything changed when I emigrated to the United States during the summer of my 8th grade year. I faced obstacles that made me realize life will not always go according to what I want. The biggest struggle I had, and have to continue to overcome, is mastering the English language. Because I had difficulties with this subject, I made a personal motto to motivate myself: Without talent, one can still have a chance to accomplish one’s goals if one works hard.

In Vietnam, my parents paid extra money for classes for me to study English; however, English was still my worst subject. Because of my lack of knowledge in English, when I moved to America, I had to start everything from the beginning I was like a blank sheet of paper. Although I used to have confidence in myself when it came to education and learning, studying a second language is not an easy thing and I could not improve in one or two days. Sometimes, I asked myself the same questions over and over again: Can I do it? How long will it take? Up to what level will I be able to achieve? Even before opening the books, I felt as if it was an impossible mission. But that thought did not keep me away from working to achieve at the same level as other American teenagers. Books slowly became my best friend. A stack of English Learner books was on top of my table. Markings and notes appeared on both sides, filling up the page until there was no space left to write on. Using the free tutoring program provided for English beginners, I was able to apply my book learning into practice. I saw my tutor once a week and we focused on Basic English grammar and vocabulary. In the one hour of the tutoring session, I tried to speak English as much as I could to practice and allow the tutor to correct my sentences. She recommended I read more children’ books because they are easier to understand. She helped me throughout the summer just writing and reading out loud what I wrote in my notebooks.

When school started after a whole summer of studying and practicing English, the tutoring sessions became a place where I could learn from my mistakes and improve. From three periods of English to two, I accomplished more than I had expected. Because of my achievement, my detachment to American society lessened, and I gained back enough confidence to begin to make friends and adapt into a new environment. After going through a hard time fighting my doubts, I realized there is nothing I cannot do as long as I set my mind to it. If my life doesn't have any obstacle, I will never learn and be who I am today.