As a little girl, I had always envisioned living in the United States. It's not that I did not love my country, but from a young age I had somehow understood that there were greater opportunities available within America.
During my preparation to move here, I vaguely remember going to the police station in the Parish of Manchester to have my documents looked over. Though we had arrived early enough, we still had to endure a long wait. It was an interesting situation as I do believe that this was my first time interacting with the police.
I also remember going to the embassy and having knots in my stomach; for some reason, I can almost always guarantee such an anxious feeling in relation to the embassy. However, I was usually rewarded with a breakfast from one of the most famous food chains on the island: Juici Patties which made the journey worth it- that and receiving approval for my documents of course.
As time went on, I remember my mother traveling to the to capital of our Island for interviews as well as the call that would change our lives forever.
Soon I would be going on doctor visits for blood tests and vaccination updates. As a future nurse, I do not mind handling needles, however as a patient, that is a whole new story, one that I will save for another time.
A few months before my mother’s departure, I remember my grandmother and my mom conversing in the kitchen while I was in the dinning room occupied by something else.
My grandmother eventually called me to announce that I would not be going with my mother, but that I would continue with my studies on the island for another year. This would allow my mother to get things settled for us. Though I completely understood their reasoning, that did not stop the tears from stinging my eyes nor the ball of pain that was formed in my throat.
I am a mommy’s girl. Even though we have our differences, I adore my mother and I have the utmost respect for her.
The following year would prove hard for me as I went through the motions of being away from her. In short, my grades fell, I seemed to have developed a stomach issue which flared up almost every other week, and I was not emotionally stable-the smallest pressure would cause me to snap.
During this threatening time, my support system drew closer to me and things did change change for the better. This would also be a good time to admit that I am a grandma’s girl as well. As I look back, I realize that I should have treated her far better than I did and for that I am deeply sorry. Grandma was there to support, protect, and discipline me when I needed it, and I will forever be grateful.
Grateful, Thankful, Blessed.
As time went on, the day for my departure grew closer. I do not remember much of the legal details, nor the emotional aspects endured by my mother during that time. However, I remember that I was excited about the path that I was about to take.
I had spent my last few days on the island preparing for my journey and surrounded by family. My mom and I were showered with love from both friends and family, though to be honest, some ties were broken during that period; this however, is the reality of moving away/on.
Looking back, my first plane ride consisted of me chewing gum because of the pressure. Though I was excited for my first flight, I was happy to be on the ground. I vaguely remember looking out through the window at the fields of crops, parking lots, and buildings…I was no longer in Jamaica.
Going through security was a bit nerve racking. The memories of my various experiences within the airport are somewhat jumbled together. However, if I remember correctly, my mom and grandma stayed as close to me as they could. I do count it an honour to have had my first flight with these ladies.
When we finally arrived at our destination, a family friend was waiting for us. As we drove out on the road, I did not know what to expect, but I remember being unimpressed. That was until I saw a WAWA gas station. I was curious as to why a franchise would be called “WAWA.” In addition, the architecture was stunning- anyone who knows me well knows that I love to look at buildings especially houses.
Walmart was another adventure. It was our first stop, and I was able to pick out a few things for my room.
When we arrived at my new home, I was ecstatic to say the least. My mother went above and beyond in decorating my room in my favourite colour at the time: green. She had also organized a little study area for me. This was it. My dream had come true…not in the way I had dreamt it, but it had arrived, and I was grateful.
A few facts:
1. I was granted an H4 visa which allowed me to be a dependent of my mother. I was not able to work and when the time arrived for me to get my driver’s license, that was a journery in itself. (I will explain in a later post).
2. During this time, I was about to enter high school. For those of you who are unaware, high school within the United States begins at 9th grade, but in Jamaica, it begins at 7th grade. As time went on, I would soon realize how fortunate I was to have graduated from an American high school.
For more information about the visa process for an H1B/H4 visa, visit here
Thank you for stopping by, and until next time Peace Be.
~Simply Anna Reece.
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