Jeffery Zheng
Student in Athens, Georgia
Jeffery Zheng
Student in Athens, Georgia
I had a confusing early childhood. I grew up in China with my grandparents and all I knew was Chinese. I knew Chinese food. I knew the Chinese language. I knew Chinese songs. And I knew my Chinese culture and tradition. Then everything changed when one day my grandparents started to pack my travel bag. It was quite big and I was confused why did they do that? I knew we went on trips and vacations but this was bigger than usual. Then I confusedly went to the airport with my uncle and my grandparents and then the tears started to roll down my face. He took my hand away from my grandparent and took me on the plane that would change everything. After a long and weird flight, we came to a stop and the door opened. Then I took my first step in this different country. I looked around and everything was so different. I saw different people. I saw different foods. I saw different songs. And I saw different future. Then a familiar face showed up as we walked around the airport and I felt a weird connection and a sense of happiness around him. He picked me up and hugged me and told me, "Welcome to America." And from that point on, my life was never the same. But I was glad that this change has happened as it has been such an exciting and memorable trip.