Having been born in the Philippines and raised between my home country and Japan, I was taught completely different languages ​​than the ones I speak today. From the beginning of my life, I learned the languages ​​Japanese, Tagalog, and a little Chinese. Not only did I learn and understand these languages, but I was also influenced by the Asian lifestyle. I had to show respect to my elders, always be with my family, and incorporate religion and cultural traditions into my daily life. Then, with a sudden shock, I was brought to America at the age of five with my mother. My mother wanted to live that "American dream" she had heard about. So, given his “imperfect English” and me not knowing English, we moved to Oregon for the first time. I attended my first English school there. I was shocked by the cultural differences practiced in America. I realized that families are divided, that Asian Americans seem to have never practiced their cultural traditions and language, and that some children do not pay respect to their elders. I see how American culture clashes with what I was taught; I have progressively adapted to this cultural change. 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 around the different states, learning a new language and culture was essential. Learning English and American style slowly took hold of me; so it made me lose myself Ishin itagaki Page 1 4/24/2006 I didn't realize it at first, but as I became enraptured with TV shows, food, and the American lifestyle, these factors slowly made me forget "me ", the self I identified with when I was younger. Learning English took its toll on me; the fact that I was held back gave my mother more reason to speak to me in English, instead of my native language. As the days passed, I easily forgot who I was. The shrinking void inside became bigger and bigger and I couldn't stop it. I've looked at people who grew up in America, a place that gives people freedom and independence, and I'm green with jealousy. I was jealous of the fact that they can easily communicate with the person next to them.