As of July 4th, 2009, I’ve officially been in the United States for 21 years. I came to sunny southern California with my mother and brother in 1988. My father had already been here for a few years, working to establish his small embroidery business so that his precious kids could live the life he never had. It was always about us two boys, getting the best of what was reasonably possible.
When I was in 5th grade (1994), my folks moved us to Irvine in hopes of getting us the best education available in the safest city America has to offer. The high school I attended in 1998, University High, was only a mile and a half from where I lived. If I really wanted, I could’ve run to school every day, which is what I should’ve done.
Somewhere down the line though, I turned into a snotty brat that was chauffeured every day to school by his mother in a comfortable luxury sedan. When you’re young, dumb and things come too easily, you forget what it’s like to have to work for something meaningful. Well, that’s how I grew up and now, I know better.
Nevertheless, I’ve absolutely loved living in Irvine and have no interest in ever leaving. Even if I’m never to afford a home in this city, I’d much rather rent than settle for living somewhere else. The best part: I live and work out of my home and most of the time; I don’t really need to go anywhere anyway except when I’m out and about to have fun!
Coming from a third world country, these liberties I now experience daily have defined my life and have helped shape the goals I’ve set for myself. Where I’m originally from, you can’t even drive an expensive car without fearing for your life.
Southern California is one of the few places in the world where you can leave for the mountains to snowboard in the morning, only to come back to the beach in the afternoon and surf waves until your arms can’t take anymore, without a wetsuit. Willow Springs and Buttonwillow are only a few hours away and we practically have perfect weather year round. It’s everything I could ever want.
