'An American is absolutely anyone who lives in the United States of America. Whether they're an immigrant or a natural-born citizen, they're Americans.' My second grade teacher in India told us this when we were in our social studies class. When I heard these words I felt an uncommon pleasure. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay My father and mother are immigrants. For me my friends are my family, I lived more with them than with my parents. First I left my friends and then the family I had in India. During the time I was with my friends I was in the hostel which is a kind of dormitory. I spent eight years of my life in this hostel, practically all of my childhood. So when my uncle told me that I had to leave my friend to go to my parents, I felt an emotion that asked me if I should really go and live the little family I have created over the years; but deep down in my heart I wanted to see my parents, especially my father, who I hadn't seen since I was born. So I chose to stay in touch and decided to reach out to my parents. It's been a month since my uncle told me I was going to America, I haven't seen him talk about it again. At one point I thought that staying away from my friends had deceived me, but that's not what he did or would ever do. At the end of that month he talked about it: “Parthi, you are going to America next week.” he said. I was so excited that the first thing I did was call my best friend to tell her the good news. I couldn't sleep the whole night because I was excited to see my dad for the first time and also I was about to sit on the plane for the first time. The following days we did the shopping and met all our relatives and friends to say goodbye. The day finally arrived when I had to leave. My few friends and family came to greet me at the airport. I was so emotional I cried because deep down I knew I wouldn't get to see them for a decade. So I go to my family and friends and go to the airport. Since it was my first time sitting on the plane, I felt a little nervous because I wanted to get on the plane. Then when the plane started to take off I felt a little uncomfortable so I asked the lady sitting next to me if I could hold her hand and she was really good because she really helped me during the journey until landing of our plane in America. I was worried whether I would be able to recognize my father outside the airport, but thanks to technology these days I had a video call with my father and could look at him. As I was leaving the airport I looked for my father, I saw him among the crowd of people waving at me, it seemed like he had noticed me before me. I approached him and hugged both my parents but not before touching their feet to receive the blessings. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In school, I was usually assigned to side with the opposite students, and as far as I could consider, they liked me. I was treated much like everyone else and everyone, including my instructors, became kind to me. Sometimes I find myself in the "spotlight" when someone asks me about my heritage and traditions. It's not a big deal because it doesn't bother me. If I come from a single nationality, I get questions about my way of life. Sometimes I find it irresistible when others question me about my culture. It suggests individuality.