There is more to my life than just Instagram. I know I show the fun side of my life as do most of us but slowly and surely I want to start sharing the other painful areas as well. My career growth hasn’t been very easy. Due to being an immigrant in this country for so many years–especially with a Business Degree–I haven’t gotten things the easy way. From continuously paying out of state tuition ($16,000 – $18,000 a semester) to finding a normal job that will take an OPT (student employee) without paying pennies, hard work hasn’t been the same as that of others. I started my career working in an office setting but with an income of a full-time employee at a restaurant. My parents bought businesses and came to the United States on E2 Visa back in 2008. I was dependent on them. Before they got their green cards, I turned 21 and because of the immigration laws, I had to get on F1 Visa and that’s where my struggles began independently.
I definitely grown a lot in the past 4 years since I graduated. But I think that’s life. Isn’t it?! Not being able to pay my tuition was a constant struggle. Another one was earning a normal income–one that could secure enough money to save, spend on living expenses, schooling, etc. I couldn’t take a student loan. I was not able to leave this country due to a change in status in the fear of not being able to come back.
After all the hardships and constantly being beat down by documentation and immigration troubles, I was able to find companies that would sponsor me and help me grow financially. It’s said the journey is more important than the destination. As that journey comes to a closure, I start a new and more secure journey. I realize that I really want to help whoever I can have a better journey to look back at. I understand every immigrant that comes here legally and I would love to help. The nerve you need to get through immigration in this nation can’t be understated.
If you have questions, go ahead and ask away, and cheers to the country that was founded by immigrants for immigrants.
Photos by Olga from Snowdrop Photography
Thank you for reading today’s post!
XOXO,
