Personal Story
learn more things, I became very noisy and got many ideas
on how to move to the next level. I was a very hard
working person, and I aspired for more in life, so I decided
to get trained for a management position. After I passed the
test, I became the manager of the restaurant where I was
working. Years later, I met a wonderful man who became
my husband. Together we traveled around the world and
enjoyed life. We have a beautiful daughter who is now 3
years old. We came to the United States in 2010, and the
only thing I can say to you is that God has really blessed
me.
Elsa Workman is a student at Northwest Florida State College.
A Simple, Happy Life
I am my father’s third daughter. We emigrated from
China to the United States in 1989. While my family was
not affluent, we were comfortable enough. However, my
dream was broken when we learned that my father was very
ill and could not go to work. He spent the last of his money
for his care in the hospital. Life became very difficult and
we were no longer comfortable. Life was no longer fine;
instead I was looked down upon because my family had
become poor. Even though my father said that we must go
to school and study English, I had to leave school and look
for a job. I had no training or experience, but I worked so
hard. I learned that money was not easy to get and I began
to cherish life more and more.
At the time when I felt the most helpless and that life
could not get much worse, I met a nice man. He taught me
so much and I was able to get a better job. I lost touch with
him. A few years later, we were reunited. Now he is my
husband and we are very happy together. Now I understand
that life can be simple and happy if you have enough to eat,
to wear, and to live comfortably. My hard work held much
worth. Life is short. Good health is more precious than
possessions.
En Guang Lin is an ESL student at Santa Rosa Adult School in Milton,
Florida. Her teacher is Patricia Capps.