First, thank you both Carol Williams and Anna Banana Kruchten for your invitation to participate in the February Challenge Part One. Also, many thanks to those who inspired and encouraged me to write.
This is my story.
I was born and raised in Chiang Mai, a mountainous northern Thailand city founded in 1296. It's home to hundreds of beautiful and historical Buddhist temples, including the famous Wat Phra Tat Doi Suthep, found on the mountainside.
The construction on Wat Doi Suthep began in 1386, and according to popular legend, the temple was built to hold a piece of bone from the Buddha's shoulder. With carved serpents to guard the relics.
My Journey To The New World: America
In 1972, as a student from Thailand, I arrived in New York, United States of America. Alone. By myself.
The Statue of Liberty. The New World's welcoming committee of one was at the ready when I, yet another among the tens of millions before me, was prepared for my new life and unlimited opportunity.
My dream had come true! Standing before me was the magnificent Statue of Liberty, Symbolic of Freedom. This journey was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. Standing in front of the Statue and watching her kind face made me smile. I could think only of the new possibilities and had no idea how long I stood there, unaware that tears were streaming down my face. Tears of joy, to be sure. I stood there watching boats, people, and their pets, enjoying the sights and sounds of New York City, and marveling at the wonder of it all. I wanted to scream and yell at the top of my voice. Instead, I let my heart sing. What a day!
The Struggles
Once my excitement waned as the days passed. I felt "let down" and lonely. Soon I became homesick. What might as well have been half a million miles away, my family was indeed half a world away. Not a word of how frightened, wary, and miserable I was in this exciting New World. Not a word of how I longed to return home.
I learned later that nothing could have prepared me for the new life I had long yearned to have. Since I was nine years old, it was a childhood dream to go to America. As I got older, I had learned so much about the vast horizon that guarantees nothing.
I continued to struggle to live and adjust in my New World. I learned to understand the value of American money, American slang, and a grasp of the English language without constantly translating from English to Thai and vice versa. I never understood why Americans didn't use the metric system. I had always thought everyone else would drive on the right side; it was legal to drive on the "wrong" side of the road in America!
The Triumphs
I graduated from D'Amore-McKim School of Business, Northeastern University, Boston, MA. In addition to my BS in Business Administration, I spent an extra year and received a Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship.
I met Yuriko, the Japanese marathon runner who would come to the U.S. to run every Boston Marathon since 1976. She inspired me to participate in the Boston Marathon race. The qualifying and training for the marathon started two years before the race. The process was intense, challenging, and exhilarating. It was the most incredible experience I had ever encountered and never thought possible!
I was ready. It was the 1985 Boston Marathon when everyone marched eerily in silence to preserve the energy toward the race's starting line. During the race, I was working hard and looking forward to getting over the worst of the hills. The heat was taking its toll; my hamstrings, Achilles, and calves told me they were unhappy. I kept trudging on. I was relieved to be through the hilliest section of the course unscathed but knew I was in for a tough time in the last 10k. My pace dropped considerably as my legs tightened, and I had to slow down for several minutes to catch my breath. I followed the lines down the middle of the road and finally crossed the finish line with all my legs still intact!
"Dear Heaven, I have just completed the Boston Marathon!"
I thought nothing else could give me more "bragging rights" and make me proud more than the marathon experience seven months later. In November 1985, my application for Naturalization was approved. The immigration officer interviewed me and happily confirmed that I had met all the requirements and passed the written citizenship test, and he asked me the last question.
"Could you name three things you like most about America?"
I looked at him, smiled, and answered without hesitation: "Yes, sir, the three things I like most about America are Men, Money, and Big Mac! " Finally, at the Oath Ceremony, standing before me was the most beautiful American Flag, and I swore my allegiance to the United States of America.
America has taught me how to take what I've got and grow once more without compromising my identity as an immigrant. Thank you, America!
Here's My Story Part 2- My Professional Journey.
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