Adapting to my New Life

Qiting He


        My parents often tell me that the United States is a nice country, and people can do anything they want here. I believe this is a fact, even if I cannot do everything I want now. After coming to the United States in 2024, my normal life has changed because living in a new country meant many new challenges for me. I have lived in Chicago for almost two years, but I am still trying to adapt to my life. Over time, my social habits have gradually changed, and I have become more independent. 

Chinatown Station, Chicago

      When I arrived in Chicago, I realized that one habit I brought from my home culture was spending weekends with friends. When I was in college in China, I went out with my friends every weekend. Sometimes we dressed up and took beautiful photos in the park, and sometimes we enjoyed tasting delicious food we saw on social media. I was very happy and thankful because I had friends who laughed and cried with me, and I could feel their emotions, which made my life come alive. However, living in Chicago has challenged this habit. I know that the United States is a busy country, and everyone has a lot of work to do, especially new immigrants. Even though I met many classmates at City College, I found that no one could spend time with me on weekends. Now, we only communicate at school. When we finish class, we stop sharing our personal lives. I do not want to bother others, so I started to enjoy weekends alone two years ago.        

The Tower of Guangzhou, China

        At the same time, when I first arrived in the United States, I realized that I had to become an independent person. In my parents’ opinion, I will always be a child. When I was in college in China, my father gave me enough money every month, so I did not need to find a job to support myself. If I encountered any problems, I just called my parents to help me. As my parents said, I was a true child. However, everything changed when I landed in Chicago. Because my parents don’t speak English, I have to deal with many small issues that my parents used to, such as insurance, bills, taxes, and online shopping. These challenges were not difficult but important. I was new to Chicago, so I felt frustrated at first. Fortunately, I had a cousin who was born in the United States, so I asked her many American rules to help me deal with these problems. Moreover, I have to find a part-time job because I do not want to be my parents’ burden anymore. 

ORD, Chicago

        Although there are many difficulties along my way, I am doing my best to face new challenges. Living in the United States has taught me to be more independent and patient. I understand that time and experience can teach me more valuable lessons. Overall, I believe that if I continue to work hard and maintain a positive attitude, I will gradually adjust to life here and create a better future for myself.


Comments

  1. BillyMarch 1, 2026 at 7:26 PM

    This is interesting story, and I enjoy it. I think there is the only way that a person who will be independent after depart away from parents. I believe that you are a independent woman who will used to live with loneliness.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. QitingMarch 10, 2026 at 10:08 PM

      Thank you for your comment, Billy. I lived with my parents, but you know sometimes it is hard to communicate with them especially I am not a teenager. I am trying to be independent without their help.

      Delete
  2. Aria HuangMarch 8, 2026 at 8:35 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BillyMarch 19, 2026 at 9:07 AM

      Because I see your comment like this, I think you made a joke with Qiting, hahahah.

      Delete
  3. Aria HuangMarch 8, 2026 at 8:35 PM

    Hello Qiting,
    I really enjoyed reading your post. I could relate a lot to what you said about spending weekends with friends in your home country and then feeling lonely here. In my country, I also used to hang out with friends every weekend, and here it’s been harder to make that kind of connection. You mentioned that you started enjoying weekends alone. How did you learn to do that? I am still struggling on it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. QitingMarch 10, 2026 at 10:01 PM

      There is nothing special, just take your time to watch some funny videos, read some books, or do something you interested in. I sometimes go to supermarkets with my parents on weekends. Overall, accepting alone is a very difficult process...

      Delete
  4. SantiagoMarch 12, 2026 at 7:58 AM

    Hello Qiting
    I enjoyed reading your article because it shows how moving to another country can change a person’s life. I think many international students can relate to your experience

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. QitingMarch 15, 2026 at 4:52 PM

      Yes, I think that many students have same situations.

      Delete
  5. Naila BencellaMarch 14, 2026 at 9:22 PM

    Hi Qiting, I loved reading your essay because I do relate to many facts that you mentioned. I used to hangout with my friends a lot and didn't need to work, I was my parents's forever baby. Now that I moved to Chicago, adulthood slapped me hard. I have to work and deal with things i wasn't even aware of their existence in Algeria. Thank you for sharing my dear friend! <3

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. QitingMarch 15, 2026 at 4:56 PM

      Thank you, Nalia.🫶 I hope we will do better and be happier in the future.

      Delete
  6. Wei LiMarch 14, 2026 at 9:30 PM

    I feel sorry about the first change, you should hang out with friends even though life is busy. Try to adapt it and get more new friends, it will be good for you.

    ReplyDelete
  7. TerryMarch 15, 2026 at 6:48 PM

    Hey Santiago!

    I really liked how you described your life in China, where you took photos in the park and tried food from social media. It creates a very clear picture of how much your "alive" social life has changed. I also liked your honesty about how, in Chicago, people stop sharing their personal lives as soon as class ends.

    ReplyDelete

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