Johann Acosta 12-Humss 05/01/2024

The American Dream

Seirra a second generation immigrant in the states went back to the philippines for a vacation,
her mother had saved up for 5 years to raise enough money for their trip. Their family back
home had always viewed them as privileged solely because they lived in the states. The plane
touched down at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and Sierra could hardly contain her
excitement. After years of anticipation, she was finally back in the Philippines, the land her
parents had once called home. The warmth of the tropical air enveloped her as she stepped off
the plane, and the familiar sounds of Tagalog greeted her ears. It felt like a homecoming,
though she had never lived here [Link]'s mother, Luz, had saved every penny for five
years to make this trip a reality. As a second-generation immigrant in the United States, Sierra
had grown up with stories of the Philippines, tales of Luz's childhood adventures, and the
warmth of family gatherings that seemed a world away from the hustle and bustle of their life
in the States. But now, they were here, ready to experience it firsthand. Their family back in the
Philippines had always viewed them as privileged. Living in the United States was often equated
with wealth and success, a perception that Sierra knew didn't reflect the reality of their lives.
Luz had worked multiple jobs, scrimped, and saved to afford the trip, and Sierra had seen the
sacrifices her mother made to provide a better life for their family. The first few days were a
whirlwind of reunions, laughter, and stories. Sierra met relatives she had only heard about in
passing, hugged cousins she'd never met, and savored the flavors of Filipino cuisine that tasted
so much more authentic on the streets of Manila than in the Filipino restaurants back in the
States. However, beneath the joyful reunions, Sierra sensed an undercurrent of judgment from
some family members. They lived in the United States, so they must be living the American
dream, right? Little did they know about the struggles and sacrifices that had paved the way for
this journey. One evening, as the family gathered for a feast, Sierra overheard whispers about
their perceived privilege. She couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration and a desire to set the
record straight. That night, she sat down with her cousins, Tala and Miguel, under the starlit
sky, ready to share the untold story of their life in the States. Sierra began recounting the
challenges her family had faced—the long hours Luz worked, the constant juggling of multiple
jobs, and the sacrifices they made to ensure a better future. She spoke passionately about the
cultural adjustments, the loneliness of being away from extended family, and the hurdles of
being a second-generation immigrant striving to bridge the gap between two worlds. Tala and
Miguel listened attentively, their initial assumptions melting away with every word Sierra
spoke. They realized that the glossy exterior of an immigrant's life in the United States often
concealed a narrative of hard work, perseverance, and the pursuit of the elusive American
dream. Sierra's tale was a stark reminder that privilege wasn't handed to them; it was earned
through relentless determination and sacrifice. As the days unfolded, Sierra's family began to
see them in a different light. They joined in the celebration of achievements and shared the
weight of the challenges faced by their relatives in the Philippines. Sierra and Luz, in turn,
learned more about the nuances of life in the homeland. The struggles of their family back
home, the economic disparities, and the resilience of the Filipino spirit painted a more
comprehensive picture of their shared heritage. One day, Sierra and Luz visited Luz's childhood
home, a modest bamboo house that seemed frozen in time. The contrast between this humble
abode and the life they had built in the States was stark, and it fueled Sierra's determination to
bridge the gap between the two worlds she belonged to. She envisioned a future where
privilege wasn't measured by geographical location but by the opportunities and support
available to all. Inspired by her experiences, Sierra decided to initiate a cultural exchange
between her family in the United States and their relatives in the Philippines. She envisioned a
program where the younger generation could understand each other's worlds better, fostering
a sense of unity and shared identity. With the help of her cousins, Tala and Miguel, they started
planning events, video calls, and exchange programs to create a stronger bond between the
two branches of the family. The cultural exchange turned out to be a resounding success. The
American-born kids learned traditional dances, listened to stories from their elders, and gained
a deeper appreciation for their Filipino roots. Simultaneously, the relatives in the Philippines
got a glimpse into the daily lives, struggles, and triumphs of their family members living abroad.
The divide that had once separated them began to blur, replaced by a sense of
interconnectedness and shared pride in their heritage. As the days of the vacation passed,
Sierra felt a profound sense of fulfillment. The trip wasn't just about revisiting the past or
dispelling misconceptions; it was about building bridges and fostering understanding between
two worlds that, despite their differences, shared the same bloodline. On the day of their
departure, Sierra and Luz bid tearful goodbyes to their extended family. However, this farewell
was different. It wasn't a goodbye based on perceived differences but a promise to stay
connected, to continue building bridges, and to celebrate the shared heritage that bound them
together. Back in the United States, Sierra and Luz brought back not only memories of a
beautiful vacation but also a renewed sense of purpose. They continued their efforts to
strengthen the ties between their two worlds, advocating for understanding and unity within
their extended family. As the years passed, the cultural exchange program expanded, involving
more family members on both sides