Daiva Kuncaite
ENG 103.5620
Prof. E.Hearst
03/16/09
An Event That Changed My Life
We all have dreams about our future. Sometimes we spend hours thinking where our life
is going to take us. We meet people every day, make friends, exchange contact information, and
one day one of them is going to make a difference in our lives. However, sometimes the
exceptional events and experiences can alter the course of our lives.
When I was a teenager I always dreamt about going abroad. The idea of being away from
my parents was fascinating, and appealing. I fulfilled my dream when I decided to come to the
USA but I didn't know that this step would entirely change my life.
I was a student back home in my country when I got the opportunity to work, and travel
in the USA during the summer. The idea of spending three months in America was exciting,
because under the name "America" it was everything: freedom, money, opportunities, new
experiences, and much much more. It was a big step, and an opportunity to fulfill my dream, but
on the other hand it required a lot of strength, and courage on my part to explore a strange
country all by myself. I didn't know the people or the language. Can I adapt myself easily to the
new place? How will I make friends? The support of my family, and friends helped me to make
up my mind, and after a couple of months I was already holding my work contract, and tickets in
my hand. I had butterflies in my stomach when I sat down in the plane, but somewhere deep I
knew that the new chapter in my life had just begun.
After a 12 hour flight, and a 6 hours travel by bus I successfully reached my final
destination in North Carolina. I started working as a cashier in the Wal-Mart, and made new
friends from different countries. Even though there was a language barrier we really had a great
time together. Besides all the fun I had that summer I also got self-confident, improved my
English, and discovered independence. Three months in North Carolina went by very fast, and it
was time to head back home. As I was looking out the window of the plane before takeoff, I
knew that I would come back here again.
A year later after finishing my Bachelors degree in Archeology I was back to the U.S.
This time I was here for my best friend’s wedding in New York, I was the bride’s maid. After
the wedding when the love birds were off to their honeymoon in the Bahamas, I decided to tour
the city with some of my friends. I was in awe of the diversity, beauty, and the fast pace of this
city. I have travelled to Asia, and Europe, and this city stands out in its magnificence.
I one of my cousins is a CUNY student at the Hunter College. Since I was planning to do
my masters in Europe, I decided to look into the educational system of the U.S, which I found
out to be one of the best in the world. After some research, and thoughtful consideration, I
decided to continue my education at CUNY.
College was not easy in the beginning because of the language barrier, but I was
determined to succeed. In this pursuit of success, and happiness I met my future husband. It was
not love at first sight as it is portrayed in the movies, but it was close, he was my closest friend.
He is also studying at CUNY, and going to graduate soon.
I think it was destiny which brought me to the U.S few years back, and the intimacy
which followed thereafter. My decision to follow my dream led me to this country, and city has
enabled me to find love, success, and happiness, and I am always going to be grateful for it.