Being born in the Philippines and growing up between my country of birth and Japan, I learned completely different languages ​​than the ones I speak today. From the beginning of my life, I was immersed in the languages ​​of Japanese, Tagalog and a little Chinese. Not only did I learn and understand these languages, but I was also influenced by the Asian way of life. I had to show respect to my elders, always be with my family, and integrate religion and cultural traditions into my daily life. Then, suddenly, I was brought to America at the age of five with my mother. My mother wanted to live this “American dream” that she heard about. So, with his “imperfect English” and me with no knowledge of English, we moved to Oregon first. There I attended my first English school. I was shocked by the cultural differences they practiced in America. I realized that families are broken, that Asian Americans seem to have never practiced their cultural traditions and language, and that some children do not honor their elders. I see how American culture clashes with what I was taught; I gradually adapted this change in culture. I gradually adapted to my environment in Oregon, then my mother decided to move to California, then Hawaii. Moving to this new country and traveling through the different states, learning a new language and culture was imperative. Learning English and American methods slowly invaded me; made me lose myself Ishin itagaki Page 1 4/24/2006I didn't realize it at first, but being fascinated by TV shows, food and the American lifestyle, these factors made me slowly made me forget “me”, the me I identified with when I was younger. Learning English took over my mind; the fact that I was being held back gave my mother more reason to speak to me in English rather than my native language. As the days went by, I easily forgot who I was. The shrinking void inside was growing and I couldn't stop it. I look at people who grew up in America, a place that gives people freedom and independence, and I am green with envy. I was jealous that they were able to easily communicate with the person next to them.