Reaching Goals

    In the past month, I have talked about so many cultural differences and challenges between the United States and Slovakia. The one I enjoyed writing the most was definitely More than just walkable distance. The good things that are deeply rooted in the American culture outweigh those that I, as a Slavic woman, simply cannot understand. Because of this, today's blog will be about encouragement and support that is always present here, in the United States.

    Growing up, I remember hearing, especially from teachers, that I was not enough. My fourth-grade English teacher told me that I would never be fluent in English because I just do not have the ability to learn another language. Of course, I tried hard and was doing pretty well later on, but nobody ever told me that I was doing a good job. So, here I am, living in the United States. 

    When I came here, everything changed. For some reason, the teachers did not try to make me feel miserable or stupid. They were trying to help me as much as they could. My English was not great, and the first months were hard. I was constantly asking the teachers what I should do to get better. All of them wanted to help me. 

A note from my English teacher, United States

    With their help, I have managed to express thoughts in English, not only academically but in real life as well. I wanted to be better, not better than others, but better than myself the day before. I managed to do that. Soon, my teachers and professors started using my papers as examples. This would never have happened in Slovakia. I could never be recognized like this if I were a migrant whose first language was not Slovak. 

    In Slovakia, people tend to discourage others from reaching their goals, in school or in life. It is because the Slovak people do not like to see that somebody else can do it better than them, but at the same time, they will not admit the quality of their work, talent or goals. Slovakia is a small country whose people were pushed into a corner for centuries by the Austrian-Hungarian Empire and others.

    The encouragement that comes from the American culture is impressive. I still cannot believe how supportive this culture is compared to the Slovak one. I am very thankful for this American experience because it completely changed my view of the World. 

    What goals have you set for yourself and reached? Who inspired you the most in your life?