Nap Hang Wong shares benefits, struggles of move to America

As a Chinese-born student from Hong Kong, I still struggle with communication as foreigner in exchange English student, despite learning English since elementary. However, as I reach out to my peers and be more outgoing and take responsibility for my learning, I know my English skills will be a success.

While it was difficult for me to leave home and come to the U.S. to study in 2014, I don’t regret it. Although in the beginning, it was frightening.

I was curious what high school would be like in United States. It didn’t surprise me that the education between the two countries was different. In United States, schools value independent learning more. It was a breath of fresh air to me. They value a student more as a person, which is why even if your grades aren’t that good, you still have a chance to get into top-tier college base on your activities as well as your grades.

It surprised me that I didn’t have much homework in American schools. However, I was really happy about having less homework. I was used to doing homework up until midnight each night. With more free time, I got to do things I enjoy more, like joining after-school activities such as chess club, going to the gym and eating out with friends.

But the drawback is forgetting what I learn that day because I can’t engage with my studies enough. Joining after-school activities can deepen my relationship with teachers and classmates, but it can occupy my time to study.

I don’t have as much time to prepare for school today. Schools in the U.S. do not have as much pressure as in China. I don’t want to be stressed about life, but sometimes I don’t feel motivated since I don’t have much pressure, especially for studying.

This issue I face today is that I slack off a lot and can end up with bad grades, which I regret not working hard enough. Learning a second language is cool because you can communicate with people who don’t speak your language. Doors are opened for you, having new friends to share your language with. It is great for traveling, too!

But for me, I am starting to forget some words of my first language; sometimes I don’t even know how to express an idea in my language. It was shocking to me that even I can forget Mandarin and Cantonese.

However, I feel blessed to have the opportunity to come to U.S. to study. I have experienced ups and downs, but that’s what we call life. It has been an amazing journey and it is still going. I hope to continue to explore the country I now live. Everything from traveling to sports away games to school prom and senior retreat are all on my bucket list. Yet, it is high school graduation which will top my high school experience.

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