“After the last hug in Belo Horizonte and the last promise to text my mom when I landed, I walked through the security gate and toward not just my gate but toward my future. I felt so lightheaded, and full of wonder. All the burdens of my past life, all my debts, sadness and indiscretions were about to be washed away by some kind of immigration baptism. I was about to start my life over; I was moving to America. As I glanced out of the window and saw Rio disappearing in the distance, my mind was already thinking about what San Francisco would look like. Would it look like all the Facebook and Instagram posts I’ve seen? I was so full of questions and so eager to get there.

The tears in my mother's eyes meant that she knew her son, could take care of himself, and so her hug at the airport was a hug she regretted, knowing that she lost the innocent boy she helped raise, and was instead saying a prolonged goodbye to a man that she would not be able to see for a while.

When the flight attended came around, I purposely spoke to her in English wanting to feel American already. I was proud to be making such a big decision, to take on such a big challenge. No one at home had made such a move. I was the first to leave Brazil, and as I drank my Coca Cola, I glanced at the label and read, the Coca Cola Company Atlanta, Georgia and a smile came across my face. The future was here, my future.

I sat up all night, partly out of boredom and partly out of the excitement, I dozed off somewhere over the Caribbean and awoke like a kid on Christmas morning. We were only a few minutes from landing in Houston, and to being in the United States for the first time, I was struck by how flat the Texas coastline looked compared to Rio, and how spread out the houses seemed. Everything seems different and yet the same. Despite any obstacles I was ready for the challenges ahead.

As I walked off the plane, I noticed the two lines at the immigration station. Citizen and Non-Citizen, someday I told myself. I walked up to the officer in the booth with a huge smile and proudly said good morning officer in English, and she simply looked up and spoke. “Your eager having come off a 10-hour flight?” and I said, “I’m just excited to be here, it’s my first time." With that the officer said, “Is it?" She then proceeded through each page of my passport. As the stamp went down, she looked up and said, "Welcome to the United States”. I barely heard them, as my heart was bursting out of chest. “Obrigado, I mean Thank you", I said. I headed toward the domestic terminal and toward my flight to San Francisco still wearing my Coca Cola smile.”

My American Transition is a rich tapestry of knowledge, providing immigrants with a deep understanding of the United States. From demystifying the nuances of the U.S. political system and its democratic values to unraveling the complexities of the economy and educational opportunities, the book serves as an indispensable resource. It addresses cultural diversity, offering a nuanced exploration of American customs, traditions, and the importance of multiculturalism in the nation's identity

Key Features

1. Political Landscape: Delve into the foundations of the U.S. political system, the democratic process, and the significance of civic engagement.
   
2. Economic Insights: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. economy, job market dynamics, and financial literacy for successful integration.
   
3. Cultural Exploration: Explore the richness of American culture, from regional nuances to popular customs, celebrations, and cultural norms.
   
4. Educational Pathways: Navigate the U.S. education system with practical advice on academic opportunities, scholarships, and professional development.
   
5. Legal Resources: Access essential information on immigration laws, rights, and resources to foster a secure and informed immigrant experience.
   
6. Community Engagement: Discover the importance of community involvement, social integration, and networking for a fulfilling life in the United States.
   

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