A Parent’s Story

by Joelle Wong

“My father went to his room and thought about leaving his friends and family.”

My father was born and grew up in Hong Kong with his family. He did things every kid would do. He played soccer with his friends and grew up fooling around with his younger brother. One day before college approached, he heard his parents talking. As he listened closer, he heard them saying that they would immigrate to the U.S. soon. My dad couldn't believe it and he confronted them to talk about it. "Son," his father said, "you know this decision is hard, but in the U.S. you will have a better life. China is taking over Hong Kong again, and we don't know what would happen. Plus, there is better schooling and better jobs." My father went to his room and thought about leaving his friends and family. So, eventually, my father and his family went and applied to immigrate to America.