Richard Aguilera reflects on his experience moving to the US from Honduras.
Have you ever been grateful for something that you did not have before? I remember the first day I came to the United States. I was just 8 years old and was amazed because I had never seen beautiful houses. At first, I was angry because I moved to another country from Honduras and felt lost because I did not know English. I did want to learn a new language because I was a kid that did not like going to school.
A few months after I arrived, I started getting in trouble at school. I went to visit my uncle who lived in the US for his entire life. He found out about my bad behavior at school and at home. He sat down and talked to me about his childhood, how he was like me when he was a kid, and why it’s important that I start behaving. He explained that in Honduras, I could not go to school because of the violence in the neighborhood where I lived.
Now, I have the opportunity to go to school. Without those same issues and should stay out of trouble. I’m 16 years old now and things have turned around. I have learned to be grateful for the things that I have in the United States. This experience taught me to work hard in school and appreciate the things that I have like clothes and food. I’m also grateful for all the hard work of my parents who have always supported me, even when I was misbehaving.
Being in a school with a safe environment, great teachers and amazing friends really makes a difference. With a Perspective, I’m Richard Aguilera.