Home Away From Home

From the very first time I saw Chicago, I knew in my heart that this was going to be the place that I would call my second home. I was only 19 years old when I first set foot on the grounds of this beautiful Midwest city. My Mom bought me a round trip ticket to Chicago from Cebu and vice versa. It was my college graduation present.

I can still vividly recall my Mom’s neat and beautiful handwritten letter on a yellow pad. She told me how proud she was of my accomplishment. I was the first in the brood of six to finish college. As I was reading her letter, I couldn’t stop myself from crying. I couldn’t believe it either.

I was the one who never really cared about school. I told myself, the government only required 75% to pass any class. I wouldn’t let all the hair in my head go trying to be on top of the class. As long as I get 75%, I’d be a happy camper. Yes! I was that type of student. I didn’t care how my grades were, I only wanted to pass my classes and be done with it.

I was young and carefree. I wanted to travel the world and explore possibilities. I took a year off school before I started my review class for my Philippine licensure exam. I was only 19 years old. For the regulated professions in the Philippines, you have to be of legal age in order to practice your profession.

I thought, if I passed my board exam after a single take; I still would not  be able to practice because I was still considered a minor. Thankfully, I had that advantage. It allowed me to enjoy my travels. It made me see how great America is, without having to feel guilty of wasting time. That was when time was on my side. I wish I could still say that now.

I fell in love with America on my first visit, but I returned home to the Philippines for medical school. I came back a couple more times while in medical school because my Mom and my Dad lived here at that time. During my travels, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to see my relatives all over the U.S. Those visits partly played a role in my decision to settle here.

With the help of my Mom, my Dad, and my Uncle in L.A., I was able to secure a student visa. My Aunt in Chicago opened her home for me to live while figuring out my new endeavor. I had a rough start in this country, but I had my Mom, my Dad, my sister, and my relatives who were very supportive of my decision. I battled moments of hopelessness, uncertainty, fear, anxiety and the temptation to give up on my American dream.

Despite feeling drowned with personal struggles, I was determined to motivate myself. What helped me were words of wisdom from my grandfather. We called him “Tio Cardo” or Uncle Ric, he was my paternal grandmother’s brother. He was a successful surgeon who stood as the patriarch in the family. In one of our conversations when I was still in college, he told me to work hard on becoming an asset to the family or to anyone whose life I will come to touch in the future.

I was just a teenager, his words perplexed me. Why would he tell me to strive on becoming an asset and not a liability. Wherever I went, whatever I did, his words got stuck in my head. There were times when those words made me question if he really thought that I may someday become a liability to the family? But, most often, I told myself, I am and will always be an asset! I refuse to become a liability.

One morning while on board the red line train on my way to DePaul University in Chicago’s loop for my classes, his words struck me! As I was staring at the skyscrapers, I finally realized what my grandfather really meant. Similar to the skyscrapers that stood sturdy sheltering its residents, year after year, amidst the extreme Chicago weather, I surmounted storms in my life.

He sensed my strength, he knew that I was going to be someone whom people could depend on. He wanted me to make use of my potentials to help others. An asset, not a liability. Since then, I strived hard to become an asset, not just for my family, but for all the people around me. I want to touch lives in meaningful ways. I never intended to become a liability to anyone. With his words in mind, I focused on attaining success in this place I called my second home. Chicago.

As an immigrant, I convinced myself that one day I will live the American dream. F.O.B, fresh off the boat, that was me! An overtly optimistic immigrant, oblivious of the fact that it was not going to be an easy transition. From a low profile, and laid back lifestyle in a small town in the southernmost island of the Philippines, to a super fast-paced modern Chicago life. It definitely was not an easy ride.

Yet, I took the challenge because I wanted to start anew. I was excited to start the life that I visualized. I was determined to live the American dream. I am not there yet! But, I will be! As time goes, I am getting closer to my dream. For now, I am living my life and giving my best shot in making my American dream come to reality.

Although I am still working on achieving my life goals, I am extremely blessed to be living a comfortable life with my family. I know that in God’s perfect time, my vision will all be manifested. Santi, Yzzabella, Esperanza, my Mom and my Dad, my siblings, my mother-in-law, my relatives and my friends are my motivation to stay focused and keep on track in reaching my American dream!

We all have dreams, but most of us lose our focus as we navigate life. We lose control of our actions. We lose sight of our dreams and aspirations. We end up struggling inside what seem to be an infinite loop of challenges. We have to recalculate like the GPS and recalibrate to regain focus. More importantly, we should not give up on our dreams!