I am a New Yorker

            I am really glad that I became a New Yorker. Moving out from my homeland Korea is really a sad and frightening experience for me barely 7 years ago. Changes are inevitable and I believe it made me develop my confidence and sense of individuality. Moving at a foreign country made me nervous at first since I am not aware of what lies ahead before me since I was born and raised in Korea. After 3 years of studying in New York State, I then became at home on one of the world’s most exciting and unique city.

New York is one enlightened path that leads me to a brighter future. It is set in one of the most powerful country on earth, the United States of America. So much things can be done here and there are lots of sights to visit too. Enjoying the fabulous cities and doping great fun filled activities outdoors. I consider it as one of the perfect environment for me and for my family. Though at first, I find it hard conversing with New Yorkers I strive hard to cope up with the surroundings and persevere in studying the English language. There for quite so many years has been one great and enjoyable experience for me. New York offers lifestyle that is the best for everyone. Transportation system is very easy. The cost of living is reasonable and this city contains many natural treasures. Whenever I go back to Korea during school breaks, I can’t help but compare the two places when it comes to the type of living and resources.

Long before I went to New York, I was a person who knows no other language than Korean. Moving in the big city made me experience a little bit of culture shock. Different place with different people who speaks in a different tongue made it hard for me to deal with others. I was always reluctant to talk with other people. Since I came from the East Asian Country, starting a conversation especially with people from other races is a big no-no for me due to my fears of being ridiculed by the so called racists. There are other cultures who humiliate Koreans because of our thick accent. People prefer to talk to those who know how to speak American English well. At first, it was an awkward experience to be in New York, as I was surrounded by people who speak good English. Fearing that I would be mocked for my thick accent and wrong grammar, I did not speak too often. And whenever I had to respond to others, it was like I was being judged by the words that I uttered. I can see from their expressions that they were finding it hard to understand me. It was really embarrassing. I had no confidence at all. I always ended up speaking nothing at all just to avoid being humiliated. Because of my low self-esteem and fear of humiliating myself in front of others, I found it difficult to socialize with others. My shame almost ate me all over. This became a great challenge for me and after a rigorous training in learning the English language, I am now a bonafide New Yorker who knows how to speak and write the English way.

Learning to speak, socialize and live as a New Yorker is like a roller coaster ride for me. For seven years it has been a fun-filled and exhilarating experience for me. But the everyday interaction with people from New York made a total improvement on my personality. My educational experience in New York had taught me to achieve greater proficiency in understanding, reading, writing and speaking English.  I was able to make friends with students who were native of New York city which made me more closer to their lifestyle. True blooded New Yorkers was able to help me hone my socialization skills and brought me on the must see places in New York. I was able to overcome problems involving shame which made me loose my confidence before.

            I have learned the New Yorker life easily. Today, waking up on a different place for me is not frightening anymore. I also learned necessary background about the United States and American culture based on my studies here and everyday interaction with friends and colleagues. This gave me more realizations and tips in dealing with other people while using and enjoying the vernacular of New York City, the English language. I am more than happy to tell the world that now; I have deep pride in my personality that I am a New Yorker because this is the place filled with fun, experiences and surprises.