When I grew up, finding out if what I am doing is right or wrong was all up to me. My parents are not home most of the time since they must make money to have food on the table for me and my siblings. All they can see is the results, like how well I do in school, they look at the report card; and how my behavior is, and they will see if there is anyone complaining. Rarely would you see someone complaining about someone that they are related to right in front of them. But that was different with ISSA, they really cared about students’ progress of growth. They gave lessons of knowledge and skill far beyond what I learned in school, but important when planning out my future. They teach me that I should think about the process of an experience and help me overcome my fear.
One lesson that I learned from ISSA is that do not do too much, and really think about the process of each activity and what you got out of them. With the minimum time that I have with my parent, they taught me “If you do not want to be like us, earn money from exhaustion and physical strength, you have to do well in school, and gain more skills. Only with skills and knowledge, will you have more freedom to decide your future.” For a time that motto is what I live off. Growing up in an immigrant family, trying to find resources and opportunities that are willing to help me was hard because many people expect me to know what most American students know. Because of that, I grab every opportunity given, hoping that with all these experiences I will gain more knowledge and skills. Not knowing that the over amount of extra-curricular activities that I was doing at once, is not helping me. I was not committed to them; it feels as if I was just performing like a zombie trying to get all of them done. ISSA woke me up when they asked me “What did you learn from those activities? What impact do you make?” I went speechless since I could not answer them. At that moment I cannot think of anything that I did significantly in the club. No one ever told me that what I was doing was wrong, and ISSA did.
ISSA also helped me overcome my fear. As I grow up the fear of saying something wrong and being laughed at grows, and I become quieter. Many people would consider me cold since I do not react to their jokes. ISSA gives me the opportunity to change, by having a comfortable environment, letting me feel more comfortable speaking and giving my thoughts, knowing that no one will laugh at me. In this atmosphere, I overcome my fears and learn a lot about other immigrants, what their cultures are like, and what they are facing every day. Now even though I still have anxiety about public speaking I was able to speak up in virtual meetings and I believe with ISSA I will improve and overcome my fear of public speaking.
With the wonderful experience I received from this organization, I want to share with my friend and family the progress that I have been through. Even though it feels uncomfortable to share my past, I hope that by sharing the lesson that I learn I can help others who also need help. Overall ISSA really cares about their student progress of growth. I really appreciate the time and effort that ISSA put into me, helping me improve and become a better person.
Written by Sujing Chen (Nationality: Chinese)
