It wasn't easy growing up as an immigrant

By Corrie | Subscribe: http://bit.ly/sub2storybooth | Comment, like, share this story.
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Corrie was born in the Philippines and lived there with her mom and dad. Her parents grew up in the Philippines, and many of their relatives lived there for most of their lives. Corrie's sister was also born in the Philippines, and they were always surrounded by family.

When Corrie's parents were first married, they always dreamed of moving to America. The United States was known as the land of opportunity and freedom, and, over time, many of Corrie's relatives began to move to America for a chance at a better life. Corrie's parents wanted the same opportunities and lifestyle for their family, too.

The Immigration process was very difficult, and it took years for Corrie's parents to be able to immigrate to The United States. They had to take tests, prove that they weren't dangerous and receive approval from doctors. After lots of hard work and dedication, Corrie's parents were able to move their family to California.

As excited as she was to finally be in America, Corrie faced many challenges when she started school. She didn't speak English as well as the other kids, and she had a hard time connecting with her classmates and making friends. She eventually got used to her new environment, and she began speaking English fluently.

When Corrie went to middle school, she was reminded of the things that made her and her family different. Whenever she brought her lunch to school, kids would make fun of the food her dad packed her. She pronounced words differently than her classmates, and when she would go out in public with her parents, there were times that she had to translate and help them communicate with other people.

Although there were times that Corrie felt different than everyone else, and though it wasn't easy growing up as an immigrant, she is forever grateful for her parents and the sacrifices they made for her family.
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In June of 2001, I was born
to two wonderful parents

in the country of the Philippines.

Both of my parents and their family
have grown up there

and lived there for most of their lives.

My sister was born there, as well.

After my parents got married,

they'd been wanting to immigrate
to the United States for a long time.

My dad's side of the family
were starting to move there

in hopes of a better life.

The United States was known
for the land of opportunity and freedom,

and my parents would have
more opportunities for themselves,

and their future kids.

They knew if they moved there,
we could live more comfortably.

It took years for my parents
to get the green light

on being able to immigrate
to the United States.

There were a lot of requirements
and tests they had to go through

to make sure they
weren't dangerous,

or sick,

and educated enough to live there.

We were lucky enough

and we finally moved
to California in 2004.

We lived with my uncle and his family
who were already staying here

while we looked for a new house
to move into permanently.

Everything was okay
for the first years we were there,

and then I had to start school.

Kindergarten was hard,

I remember it very vividly.

I couldn't speak English,
and it was hard to make friends

They really didn't know
how to talk to me.

I'd always cry because no one
wanted to be my friend,

and I never understood
what the teacher was saying.

I started getting used to it
and I learned English naturally.

I started making friends and all was well.

In 2007, my sister Louine was born

and that's when our family
became complete.

My parents raised me
as if we still lived in the Philippines.

They had strict rules
and traditional Filipino morals.

They were very conservative
and very religious.

Most of my lectures as a child
were usually based on

religion and what God
would have wanted me to do.

Flashforward to sixth grade,
I moved to another school,

so I had to say goodbye to my friends

that I'd known for for a long time,

and adapt to a new environment
with new people.

I started noticing things that made me
different from everyone else.

I started bringing
a packed lunch to school

and it usually consisted of rice
and eggs, rice and sausage,

or anything my dad can pack rice with.

Everyone first thought it was weird

that I always had rice
and random Filipino food.

It had a distinct smell.

I'd always feel embarrassed

because I didn't have lunchables

or a PB&J like all my other classmates.

Other people would made fun of me

because I would pronounce
things differently,

like comfortable,
like comFORtable.

That's how my parents
taught me how to say it.

Every time I correct them,

they tell me that English
isn't their first language

and that I should be patient.

I also feel embarrassed if I went
somewhere with my dad

because he had very thick Filipino accent
and people wouldn't understand him

and I would have to translate.

Even though there were times
we didn't fit in,

I still love them so much

and I'll forever appreciate the things
they did and went through for us.