From the Quiet Fields of Kurshab to the Bustling Streets of America

From the quiet fields of Kurshab to the bustling streets of America, my journey has been a bunch of experiences and moments. Picture me playing in the cornfields with my neighborhood friends, and then finding myself in a completely new country where everything seems unfamiliar. People, climate, language, how the sun sets and rises and even the air is different. In this essay, I face challenges like learning a new language and fitting into a new culture. But through it all, I discover more about myself and the world around me. Come along on this adventure with me as we explore how my experiences shape who I am and how I see the world. From childhood memories to navigating life in a new country, this story is my journey of growth and discovery. I’m different from some people here because of my background and where I come from. But I’m trying to show everyone that we’re all unique and deserve to be treated with respect.

I was born in a small town called Kurshab, which is located in the South of Kyrgyzstan. My parents had to move to Russia in order to save money since they had some problems with their previous work. Until I was 4 years old I lived with my parents and my elder sister Asylai in Russia. And then i came back to my motherland to start primary school in the age of 6. My grandma and uncle took care of me while I was studying in primary school. That time I used to play a lot with my neighbor friends after school. There were fields in front our house. Densely planted with corns and some grasses (food for horses) in Spring , and in the fall people were harvesting and fields were empty .We used to play soccer on that empty fields next to our house. When I studied in primary school I was really good in subjects but not good in behavior. I could make restricted things. “The formation of personal and group identity is a complex phenomenon, a mixture of psychological, biological, social, cultural, and environmental factors” (Mann, 2016, p. 211).  My childhood experiences have played a significant role in my identity. As I continue to grow and evolve I carry with me all the lessons that I have learnt from my childhood and the memories cherished from those precious years.

My social identity influences how others in American society treat me in varied ways. “How one’s racial identity is experienced will be mediated by other dimensions of oneself: male or female; young or old; wealthy, middle-class, or poor; gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or heterosexual; able-bodied or with disabilities; Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, Hindu, or atheist” (Tatum, 1997, p. 33). While being perceived as Asian non-native English speaking male international student I may afford certain advantages and disadvantages. I came here via F2 visa to be exact as a student. At the beginning my English (speaking, listening) level was not good very good I can say that it was bad. I remember my first semester in Lake Washington institute of tech, here is example because my English was not well I could not express what is on my mind it was hard for me to just communicate with my professors and classmates.  I think this struggle was common among many international students, but with time, practice and effort, I could improve. As an international student there may be barriers to conversations with anyone but I value that I have lots of opportunities for education here. My heterosexual orientation grants me social acceptance and I have all rights in American society. However, it can also lead to limited understanding of non-heterosexual gender norms and overlook the diversity within the LGBT community. I was in such a situation where I called people by not the pronouns they would like to call them. In these six month of living in the USA I understood that my identities influence my goals, behaviors, and interactions with others, prompting me to challenge stereotypes and get used for life in American society.

Looking back on my journey from Kurshab to America, I see how every step has shaped who I am today. From playing in fields to adjusting to a new culture, each experience has mattered. As an Asian student in America, I have faced tough times, stress, burnout but I’ve also become stronger. Learning English was hard, but I got better and improved over time. My identity shapes how I view the world and how others see me. I have learned to value everyone’s differences. Now, I realize my journey is about growing and accepting new things. I am thankful for the lessons I have learned and excited for what is to come. Moving forward, I am eager to continue learning and evolving. I know there will be more challenges, but I’m ready to face them with courage and resilience. My journey has taught me that change is inevitable, but it is also an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. I am grateful for the experiences that have brought me to where I am today, and I am excited to see where the road ahead will take me.

References

Mann, M. A. (2006). The formation and development of individual and ethnic identity: Insights from psychiatry and psychoanalytic theory. American Journal of Psychoanalysis, 66(3), 211-24. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s11231-006-9018-2

Tatum, B. D. (1997). Why are all the black kids sitting together in the cafeteria? Revised edition. Basic Books. https://sbctc-lwtech.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01STATEWA_LWTC/117qsle/cdi_proquest_ebookcentralchapters_5368838_10_96