Coming to America: Dream of Millions
By Safaa Nhairy
Broadside Staff Writer

Here I am, in the United States of America — the dream of thousands of people. I will never be conscious enough of the massive number of people in the world who would do anything just to be in this country, including coming here illegally or marrying Americans just to live out what they believe to be “the American Dream.”
My first trip to the U.S. was five years ago. I was here as a tourist from Morocco, walking in the streets of D.C., spending time shopping and enjoying myself. I am here again, but things are a bit different. I do not go for walks and barely ever go to the mall.
Living abroad for every individual is, no doubt, a big challenge. Leaving home and starting a new life in the U.S. was a hard decision for me. I should say that my experience here has helped me face the concept of “real life.”
Things that I never had to face back home, such as getting speeding tickets, worrying about finances, preparing my own food and doing my own laundry, have become a part of my daily life.
Fortunately my family and friends are here to tell me about their experiences, and I understand that I am not the only one going through severe and harsh moments. I have also discovered the positive side of living abroad. Speaking English daily helps non-natives like me learn to speak this language fluently and improve verbal communication skills.
Meeting people from all over the world is also one of the things that is unique about the U.S. Learning about different cultures and their traditions helps people to be more open-minded and respectful of others.
American schools are also a good springboard to increase knowledge and to make acquaintances. International students attending college here become eager to learn and gain more experience in their fields. We learn a better sense of time management and tend to work more productively.
It is said that during college years students make friendships that last forever. Generally, classmates that we meet at school are the ones we encounter in our professional lives. The person sitting right next to me in class could be my future boss!
Some students even meet their soul mates in college. For example, Hillary Rodham met Bill Clinton while she was studying at Harvard University.
Living abroad also helps with self-discovery in faith, religion and ambition. In the U.S., we have the option to either accept or reject what has been taught. Therefore, we as foreigners try desperately to find the answers to our perturbations. I believe that the answers are not clear without comparing, studying and analyzing matters from both an outsider’s and an insider’s perspective. Living abroad is also about discovering others. Those closest to us are put to the test. Some old relationships are disappointing and the new ones appear more successful without any logic or reason.
The word “responsibility” best summarizes the American adventure. Responsibility is a key word in the U.S. I realize that we have to be accountable for every step and choice in life. Even if we, the international students, fall on hard times we need to be strong, positive and pursue our goals.