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Introduction

In the article “Home” by Mok, the author describes the experience of how she stayed in her real hometown-Mainland China. The author was born in Hong Kong, so she wanted back to her hometown, a village in Canton. However, she felt as if she had landed on another planet. The author felt uncomfortable when she was at train station because the people wanted to sell something to her or suggested many inns to her. The author’s uncle and aunt just asked her if she had brought any gift or money for them when they met at the station. The author was so disappointed that she decided to stay for only three days. In addition, she seldom went out within the three days.

When I graduated from high school, our family decided to let me study in the U.S. I chose to study in the University of Oregon, which is located in Eugene, Oregon. I imagined a lot of views about Eugene before I landed. However, I felt like I had landed on a small village rather than a big modern city.

The first moment I went out of the airport, there was only a handful people outside and there appeared to be no taxi on site. This made me feel helpless and lonely. Nevertheless, I asked one of the airport staff if he could call a taxi for me. He helped me to find a taxi and, finally, I arrived at my place. Every day, I would take the bus to go to the University. It is quite disappointing that the bus would only operate once every half an hour, which is very different from China. Indeed, this proved extremely inconveniencing especially in instances where I missed the bus as I would have to wait until the next thirty minutes. In addition, the supermarket was too far from my place, which was extremely inconveniencing as I could only manage to go to the supermarket on the weekends. Before I came to the U.S., I thought it was easy to live alone in the U.S., but when I started to living in the U.S. by myself, I realized it was a very difficult thing to me.

Even more disappointing was the level of inefficiency that Americans, contrary to my thoughts, exhibited. The first time I came to the office to submit my applications, the officer told me I should wait for 8 weeks. I had no problem waiting for 8 weeks, but when I went back and asked the officer whether the application had been approved, he stated that I had to wait for another 4 weeks. Upon enquiring why I had to wait for another four weeks, he just stated that he was sorry but there was nothing more he could do for me. I was so angry and speechless because I thought Americans were extremely punctual.

As much as Eugene presented me with an extremely hard time, it was a memorable and good experience. It taught me how to take care of myself and enhanced my independence. Of course, my life in the United States was not the same as I had imagined, which was quite disappointing. However, I was grateful that I had a chance to study in the country as it enhanced my independence. It is imperative that individuals take more challenges when in undesirable situations.