7 Years in the U.S. Embracing Change and Defining Life on My Terms

It’s hard to believe that seven years have passed since I made the life-changing decision to move to the U.S. to pursue a master’s degree at Georgetown University. Looking back, it’s been quite a journey, although filled with both challenges and moments of triumph- it is a path I would choose to travel again.

The Initial Years of Regret

Georgetown was a once in a lifetime opportunity, an opportunity to be part of an institution that gave us Bill Clinton, Bradley Cooper, and Jacqueline Kennedy. The initial years were tough, every day felt like an uphill battle, and I often felt like I was struggling against the tide. l didn’t have many people to turn to for support (financially or otherwise). See, I got into this country with a $1,500 gofund me , $120 cash at hand, and I dream.

So when things got hard (and boy it did) I turned to my blog and social media to share my experiences. I remember writing in my first week “One week into the game, I’ve cried as promised, gotten frustrated, and walked over 2 miles to still get lost in the end.” The transition was incredibly difficult, and I found myself comparing my new life to the comfort and ease I had left behind (A well paying job, a thriving online community, and a good business). Then came the moments of doubt and regret, and it felt like my once vibrant life was gradually slipping away.

Embracing Change

“O ta isi-ewu, o wu ego ya” my dad would say. An Igbo proverbs that roughly translates to “If you want to eat the head of a goat, it’s with your money.” I was 16 when I dreamt of living in the U.S. and I would be the first in my family to do so. So, when things got tough, I told myself only I decided this path, and only I, and no one else could change my circumstances for me. I had to take control of my life, and it was when I embraced the journey, accepted my current situation, and worked like my life depended on it.

Gradually, I began to accept my new reality and focus on the present. Having a close friend join me in my program brought a sense of companionship and understanding that made a world of difference. I threw myself into my studies, constantly seeking to improve and grow. I learned to embrace the journey, finding moments of joy and gratitude amidst the challenges. It was a period of introspection, growth, and resilience.

SHOP LOOK

A Purpose Fulfilled: Defining Life on My Terms

A purpose fulfilled- I reflected on the concept of “home” for foreigners, and it coincided with a major milestone in my life – obtaining my permanent resident card. It was a turning point, and I started to see the realization of the American dream that so many speak of. I seized opportunities to travel, fulfilling a childhood dream of witnessing a Coldplay performance and embarking on a soul-nourishing trip to Japan.

This year brought even more accomplishments, as I embarked on a new role managing a U.S.-funded exchange program and celebrated the completion of a second master’s degree in computer science with a focus in health informatics. As I reached new milestones, I realized how far I’ve come since leaving Nigeria as a young dreamer, and how my aspirations have evolved into tangible achievements.

Despite the challenges, I’ve found a sense of contentment and happiness in this new chapter of my life. The American dream may have its flaws, but it has also provided me with newfound opportunities and experiences, for which I am grateful. As I look ahead, I’m filled with a sense of peace and completeness, cherishing the love, joy, and fulfillment that I’ve discovered along the way.