By Julija Parisi
Campus News
I came to United States when I was 19 years old. Coming to New York and not knowing the language and the mentality can take a toll on anyone. At first, it seemed fun to be able to start all over again, but as time passed month by month I was beginning to realize that this country is not for everyone. This country requires people to be educated and hard-working. Living in New York is expensive, the rent rises every year, food costs rise, and don’t get me started on the medical bills! Only active people can make it here in New York. Forget about depression and the anxiety. It won’t get you anywhere. No one wants to listen to your complaints. Some people will show you their sympathy, but the reality is that not everyone cares. To find someone that would care could take years. All I had to do at this point, was to pick myself up, visualize the plan for my future, and keep moving forward no matter what.
My first job in New York was working at McDonald’s. I’m still thankful to the manager that hired me even without me knowing English. I had no idea what was a cheeseburger, what was a hamburger, but for sure I knew famous McDonald’s french fries. It didn’t take me that long to learn the menu, and to learn enough English to have a regular conversation. I was trying hard at that job, and I took it seriously. Some people might say I took it too seriously, but I’m from Europe, and to me, there is no such thing as an easy job. After all, I was getting paid, and finally making money that I needed to survive. I started as a regular part-time cashier. I remember, one day, I came to pick up my check and the manager told me that a new position had opened up. The job was full-time, and required me to come in at 6 a.m. to open up the store five days a week. I accepted the offer and loved my new hours.
I think I was the happiest person early morning. It was a year of saving money. I bought myself a car. It was my first car; the car of my dreams. Sporty, red Mitsubishi Eclipse, was getting me from point A to point B every day. Finally, I was out there. I didn’t have to depend on anyone. Having a car and a full-time job wasn’t enough. I wanted to become bigger and better, help people in more ways than feed them McDonald’s for breakfast and lunch.
Going to college wasn’t yet an option. I had to start with something smaller, but move forward toward getting an education. I decided that English was a door opener in this country. I signed up for English as a Second Language classes at Suffolk County Community College. After taking a test, gauging five levels, I made it into a level four. My first teacher was Barbara Dean. This lady was and still is an amazing woman. I can’t thank her enough for everything she has done for me. The knowledge she gave me and the inspiration I felt while learning new things from her are memorable. The semester flew by really fast. Usually, this happens when you like the subject and enjoy it so much. Then it was level five, and finally graduation. The graduation ceremony was, for me, something out of a movie. It felt terrific.
Last December, exactly a year ago, I got my GED diploma. The graduation ceremony, the hat, and the gown inspired me to go to college. My American Dream is coming true. Life had been spinning, but now I’m settled. I will graduate and be one of the best RNs; one who will help people and save lives. It doesn’t matter where you’re from or your nationality. What matters most are your dreams and your desire to reach your goals.
Julija Parisi is a nursing major at Queensborough Community College.
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