The United States has been my dream since I was just seven—not a fleeting wish, but a hope I carried close to my heart. During my undergraduate years, every grade I earned and every activity I participated in felt like a step closer to that dream.
After graduation, I applied for a U.S. visa right away. The long wait for an interview tested both my patience and perseverance. But then, the day finally came—my visa was approved. Holding that green slip in my hand, I knew my childhood dream was beginning to take shape.
What followed was a whirlwind: Last-minute shopping, emotional goodbyes, and leaving Nepal with a heart full of gratitude, excitement, and hope for everything that lay ahead.
After 33 long hours of travel, including layovers, I landed at Newark Airport in New Jersey. Once I cleared immigration, I headed to Dallas Fort Worth before continuing on to Kansas for my studies. The airport was massive, and my first stop—naturally—was Starbucks.
Stepping outside, I was struck by how much digital media had shaped my expectations. Everything felt oddly familiar, like walking through a movie set I’d seen a hundred times.
The U.S. truly is amazing—welcoming, diverse, and grounded in a sense of discipline that sets it apart. You witness a beautiful blend of cultures, opportunities, and values.
I spent some time in Texas before moving to Kansas. It was deep winter—snowy and beautiful at first, but overwhelming for someone not used to the cold. I soon fell sick, and that’s when the reality hit.
The girl who once proudly claimed she wouldn’t miss home suddenly missed it deeply. From being served breakfast in bed to cooking while sick—everything changed. I began to understand what people meant by the silent waves of loneliness that often come with life abroad.
Managing groceries, laundry, cooking, classes, and an on-campus job—all on my own—was no small feat. It was tough, but it taught me resilience in ways I never expected.
It’s been eight months since I arrived in this dreamland. The first four were the hardest—adjusting to a new place, new people, and a completely different way of life. But with my first semester behind me and summer break in full swing, things have started to shift. I’ve begun traveling, including a visit to the iconic land of skyscrapers—which felt strangely like déjà vu.
This summer is about learning, exploring, and growing. I’ve grown stronger—driving to new places, speaking to strangers, and slowly finding joy in my own company. I still miss Nepal and my family deeply, but I’m beginning to embrace independence and the quiet strength that comes with it.
If there’s one thing I’ve truly learned, it’s this: with time, things do get better. And the relationship you build with yourself is the most priceless of all.
Social media often paints a glamorous picture—international students exploring new places, buying new gadgets, and living seemingly exciting lives. But what’s rarely shown are the silent struggles behind the scenes—the sleepless nights, the quiet tears, and the emotional toll of trying to survive in a new world.
The U.S. truly is amazing—welcoming, diverse, and grounded in a sense of discipline that sets it apart. You witness a beautiful blend of cultures, opportunities, and values.
But alongside all the good, it’s essential to come with realistic expectations. Adapting to life here takes strength, resilience, and an open heart. In the end, it’s not just about arriving in a new country—it’s about discovering your own resilience, embracing change, and learning to find peace within yourself, no matter how far from home you are.
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