My Four-Month Journey in the USA: A New Perspective

✨ Arriving in the USA has been an exhilarating experience! Over the past four months, I’ve unlocked numerous new experiences. I’ve often heard about the competitive nature surrounding education in Haidian, but now that I’m in the Bay Area, I can confidently say that local parents share just as much passion and anxiety about their children’s education. Topics such as whether to switch school districts or how to choose the right school have become daily discussions in mommy circles. Parents are tirelessly running from one school interview to another, and it’s the kids who seem busier than the adults. The outcomes can be both uplifting and disheartening, often pulling at the heartstrings of parents. It’s not just us Chinese parents feeling this way; moms from Korea and India are equally invested in their children’s educational journeys. This anxiety truly knows no borders! 🌏

Observations on American Society

🇺🇸 One of the most striking things I’ve noticed here is the remarkable level of friendliness towards dogs 🐶. It’s far beyond my expectations! You’ll find dogs in hotels, restaurants, parks, and even shopping malls. I encountered several dogs accompanying their owners when I went to the DMV for my driving license. At my ESL school, there is a staff member who brings their dog to work every day. This furry friend has become a “special staff member” and brings a wave of comfort to everyone who sees it.

What I Love

• I absolutely adore the air quality here! The clear skies and stunning sunrises and sunsets are a sight to behold. On camping nights, gazing at the starry sky is incredibly rejuvenating—something I rarely experienced back home. 🏕️✨
• I’ve completely shed my body image worries here; everyone lives life at their own pace and in their own style. This sense of inclusiveness and freedom is truly enviable.
• The atmosphere at Stanford University is inspiring, with students from all over the world learning and exchanging ideas together. The cultural diversity and vibrancy leave me in awe.
• The camaraderie in my ESL class is heartwarming; we often share coffee and snacks together. When someone achieves a good grade or lands a new job, we celebrate together, making me feel warm and welcomed in a foreign land. 💞

My Concerns

However, there are some aspects I find challenging and want to share:

1. Pet rent in apartments! My cat has to pay an additional $50 a month, which is hard to digest. 😩
2. Life can feel monotonous at times; besides connecting with nature, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of other entertainment options, and I occasionally find it a bit boring. 😴
3. For those planning to visit the USA, I’d recommend avoiding the homeless areas in downtown San Francisco. The scenes can indeed be unsettling.
4. Rent and utility bills are ridiculously high! In my 1-bedroom apartment, despite not using the heating or air conditioning, my electricity bill still surpasses $100 a month. 😵‍💫
5. Lastly, the tipping culture takes some getting used to; at restaurants, tips automatically hover around 18%, making it feel somewhat like forced spending which can be uncomfortable. 💸

Final Thoughts

As I continue to navigate life in the USA, there’s a mix of joy and challenges that makes this journey both enriching and insightful. Every day is an adventure, and I look forward to unlocking even more experiences in this vast, diverse country!