Example Of Essay On My Life In The Philippines

I always looked forward to being a teenager. I imagined myself going to the mall, watching movies with my friends, or simply hanging out at each other's houses. At 13, I already mapped out my summer plans and the only thing left to do was for summer to arrive. However, as fate would have it, my grandfather suddenly passed away in May 2005. While grieving at his sudden loss, my parents decided to send me to the Philippines to study English. They thought that it was the best way for me to learn the English language. I was instantly aghast at the idea because the plan was for me to stay with an aunt I hardly knew, a country I was not familiar with, and a language I hardly understood.
When my parents talked me into it, they painted a picture of warm, sunny weather, and beautiful sceneries to visit. In my young mind, the idea of living away from my parents excited me and scared at the prospect of living in a place too far from them. I initially thought about my friends. I also thought about how my summer plans changed suddenly. I was a wreck full of questions: Will I be able to fit in? Will I have new friends? Can I adjust in my new environment? With so many questions in mind, I slowly resisted the idea. But my parents were firm in their decision to send me to the Philippines and live with my aunt and brother. In two months after my grandfather passed away, I flew in the country. From the airport, we travelled farther up North of Manila to Baguio City.
While Manila was hot and humid, Baguio City was the total opposite. Pine trees lined up the roads and the breeze chilly. Spring and autumn define the Philippine weather and strangely, the country has only two seasons, the dry (sunny) and wet (rainy) seasons. Clear skies as well as nice and accommodating people make up for a relaxing atmosphere. Popularly known as the City of Pines, scenic attractions and a rich cultural heritage attracts both local and foreign visitors all-year round. Sunflowers surround the hills from November to May as other wild flowers grow along the hillsides.
Despite the tranquil weather, peaceful ambiance, and friendly people, I still found myself terrified and reluctant to make friends with the other kids in the neighborhood. Wherever I looked, my eyes searched for my friends, hoping that they would miraculously enter the gates of my new international school. I felt really sad and alone even though my classmates comforted me. But the language barrier isolated me from the rest of them. As they laughed at each other's jokes, I stared at them blankly while I deciphered what they just said. I struggled with English and Tagalog, the local dialect. I could not adjust in my new environment because I knew in my heart I wanted something else. Because I could not communicate with them easily, the more I felt alone, confused, and resentful.
In my young mind, I could not comprehend how my parents could allow me to study away from them and live with virtually strangers. My aunt and her family became my second family and through them, I slowly coped and understood the language. Auntie often told me that I should give my new classmates a chance to know me as much as to give myself an opportunity to know them as well. She advised that I should stop comparing my Filipino classmates with my own classmates back home lest I judge them without the benefit of knowing them on a more personal level. I did as she told me and I slowly removed the walls I built around myself. Soon, I realized I have nice and kind friends just as the ones I have back home. I gradually warmed up to all of them and soon, I already spoke in English and Tagalog faster just like them. Why? Because entire class served as my personal tutor. As months passed by, I found myself enjoying Baguio City especially the Crystal Caves, Burnham Park, Camp John Hay, Mines View Park, and the Maharlika Mall where I buy locally made arts and crafts. I remember the times my cousins and I would bike around Burnham Park and ride the boats in the manmade lake pure bliss indeed! Soon enough, Baguio became my "home away from home".
In all these, I still remember Auntie's advices on making friends and withholding judgment before knowing another person. Had I not listened to her, I would probably have ended lonely, friendless, and depressed at the tender age of 13. In addition, the experience helped me become independent as it gave me courage to pursue life and my dreams on my own. Thanks to my Auntie, all the lessons she taught me are still with me as I use them to guide me in my everyday relationships with others.