On Friday November 26th, I spoke , once again, to my friend Josh Burden. Last time we talked, he told me about the difference in lifestyles between the Philippines and America. However, this time we talked about his journey to the United States. This is important because most of us at Longwood were born and raised in the United States. However, in Josh’s case he came here and had to adapt himself to a new way of life. Having a different point of view on transitioning to American lifestyle can be very informative and intriguing. It has expanded my mind and I hope it can expand yours.
Josh’s life in the Philippines was simple and ordinary from what he remembers. His family was not poor, or having any economic struggles. He remembers life just being normal. He said he was happy and was just living like an average Filipino kid. Josh mentioned that he lived in a suburban area, but visited family members who had farms, and some who lived in the city. Josh holds his family to very high regards and misses them dearly.
Josh was 9 years old when he moved to America. Josh’s family moved to America because his mom got a job here. From how Josh remembers, it was very sudden and random. He was excited and nervous for the move. He knew he would be living in America and only returning to occasionally visit. Although he did not have much say in the decision making process, Josh was willing to take on the new life ahead of him.
Josh’s first experiences in America were hard for him. His family moved here in the early summer, so it was difficult for him to meet new friends since school had not started. He said those few months were rough for him, but he remained optimistic. Over that summer, he did learn more English and he said that really helped him when it came time to go to school. Josh loved sports and because of that used sports to make friends. Overtime, Josh found his clique of friends and began to settle in to his new way of life. Josh mentioned that he did struggle with English American subjects in the classroom. Subjects such as US history and English. Even after years of living here it still was hard for him. I believe this is because as Americans we were raised on these subjects where as a foreigner, like Josh, would definitely struggle with this.
Josh strongly felt he had adjusted to US culture. Prior to our two interviews, I had no idea he had not lived in America his whole life. Josh told me about all of his baseball friends from home and told me some of their stories. To me they sounded like a typical group of American guys that like to have fun. Josh has no regret on his life in America and has had so many great experiences. He even joked and said if I never moved to America then I never would have gotten to have Chick-fil-a. Josh got to play baseball for his high school and became a very well liked guy in his area. Currently, Josh feels good about his place at Longwood and in America. He personally doesn’t have any challenges due to his immigrant life, but rather just normal challenges any college kid would have. Although he misses his family back home, Josh has nothing but good things to say about his journey to America. Josh plans to live in America in the future, but will never hesitate to visit the Philippines if he is able to.
Hearing Josh’s stories in our past two interviews has taught me a lot. As I stated earlier, prior to our interviews, I had no idea Josh was not born and raised in America. Although he had his struggles, Josh came out on top. I think anybody can learn from this. We all may fear a new challenge or new path ahead, but if we take it on with optimism and an open mind anything is possible.