Expanding my Horizon
From California State University – Long Beach, U.S.A /by Kathy Nguyen
Everything worked like clockwork back at home. I was comfortable in my own little world; there was no reason for me to change it. When I heard of this great opportunity to study in Taiwan at Ming Chuan University, I could not refuse it. I changed my plans and postponed my graduation.
Arriving at Ming Chuan, I was actually surprised by the amount of international students there were. I enjoyed making new friends from different countries and hearing about their lives. I am not proud to say this, but talking to them made me realize how unaware I was about the world beyond my own. They know so much not only of their own country, but others as well.
When people ask me where I come from, I have a hard time answering the question. I struggle with my own identity whenever I am asked this question. I know I am American because I was born there, but what makes me truly an American? Sometimes people ask me why I am an American when I look Taiwanese, and I do not know what to tell them. Do I tell them that my parents are from Vietnam, or should I even tell them I am American? When I say I am one or the other, I feel like I am denying a part of who I am.
In the United States, politicians always say the world is a dangerous place, but when I arrived in Taiwan I did not feel the same way, people are so nice here. They are always more than willing to help someone in need. When my friends and I wanted to take the Jio Jio bus back to Ming Chuan, a lady went out of her way to help us find it. She called her friend, walked us to the bus stop, and back to the Taipei Main Station when we could not find it. I know back home, people would not go out of their way to help anyone.
I know this experience will allow me to grow, both intellectually and personally. I am here for more than my education. I am here to make friends with people from around the world and to learn more about myself. This is my first experience living on my own and to rely only on myself for support. I noticed how much I have grown as a person since I’ve been here.
I know my experience in Taiwan and Ming Chuan is only getting started. I still do not know what to expect from this, but I know I want to leave this experience being a better person. When summer comes and it is time for me to leave, I will miss this country and all the friends I’ve made. I will miss walking down the hill to the bakeries, the amazing view from my classroom, and I will even miss the big hike up the hill every morning.
|