I have been living in the United States for nearly ten years. You never know how patriotic you are until you go abroad, and you never know how good the United States is until you come here.
When I first arrived in the U.S., I felt it was nothing special. After three years abroad, I returned to China and realized I had suffered many grievances in the U.S., feeling lost for a long time after coming back. After living there for five years, I went back to China and felt there were too many people; I couldn't stand the hustle and bustle. After seven years abroad, I returned to China for two months, only to find upon my return that the U.S. was better after all. Having lived in the U.S. for a long time, I have discovered many of its benefits. I wonder if you would agree with me?
Reason one: Freedom in the U.S. If you manage your own affairs well, there are basically no issues. There is no supervisor constantly managing you or telling you what to do. Even if you have a supervisor, you don't have to watch them strutting around in front of you. Even the biggest boss works in a transparent cubicle just like you. You don't need to envy anyone for having a higher rank, as higher rank comes with its own troubles. It is not like the leaders and bosses in China who act so arrogant; no matter how small their position, they treat themselves like high-ranking officials.
Reason two: No need to pull strings in the U.S. I have been in the U.S. for nearly ten years, and I have never had to rely on connections to find or change jobs, process green cards, sell houses or cars, or handle my children's schooling. Everything follows standard procedures, and no one has ever intentionally made things difficult or dragged their feet. The only thing that bothered me was when I was getting my fingerprints taken for my green card; an older Black female clerk had a poor attitude (not just toward me, but toward everyone waiting there). It reminded me of the industrial and commercial tax departments in China. I prepared to file a complaint, but after delaying for a few days, I let it go. Later, the green card arrived quickly, and I forgot about the incident.
Reason three: The children all like the U.S. I have asked many children whether they prefer China or the U.S. Most answered they like the U.S., a few said they like both, and very few said they only like China and not the U.S. Both of my children said without hesitation that they like the U.S. I asked why. My son said, "The teachers in the U.S. are kind to students." My son attended primary school in China for two years, and he particularly disliked his homeroom teacher. My daughter said, "There are many fun places in the U.S., and I can go to camp in the summer." The U.S. is a paradise for children; they are very happy here, whether in their studies or their daily lives.
Reason four: My husband also likes the U.S. My husband is a hard worker who just knows how to keep his head down and work, regardless of where he is. He is neither good at currying favor with supervisors nor at handling interpersonal relationships. In his American company, he doesn't need to worry about these things. There is no such thing as being named an 'advanced worker.' Salary increases are based on the boss's performance evaluation. His boss is very fair and has placed him at the highest level for salary increases every year. Last year, when the whole company didn't give raises, the boss gave my husband a bonus, and this year, he gave him a raise covering two years—making up for the raise he didn't get last year.
Reason five: No social comparison in the U.S. The type of house you live in, the car you drive, the university your children attend, or whether you work or not—these are all your choices. You don't need to care about what others say or think. Living your own life comfortably is what matters most. I once knew a friend who loved to compare herself with others, enjoyed prying into others' affairs, and then showed off her house, car, and children. We haven't been in touch for a long time now.
Reason six: The U.S. has vast territory and abundant resources (I used to think this described China, but it actually fits the U.S. better), a good environment, and fresh air. Upon landing in China, I could immediately smell something in the air, and my throat felt very uncomfortable. Even in my hometown in the countryside, the clear skies are gone. Chemical plants in the city have been 'attracted' to the areas surrounding our village, and untreated exhaust gases are discharged directly. Wastewater from dyeing and textile mills has turned the local waterways black.
Reason seven: Things are cheaper in the U.S.; houses and cars are more affordable than in other countries. In China, you spend a lot of money unnecessarily to buy luxury brands, whereas in the U.S., it is much cheaper. I don't need to elaborate on this; the U.S. is perhaps the country with the cheapest luxury goods in the world. Whoever comes to the U.S. will inevitably do some shopping. When the iPad was first released, many Chinese tourists visiting the U.S. made sure to bring one back home.
In fact, it is not just me who says the U.S. is good. Most people who currently live in the U.S. feel it is quite good. Moreover, many people are looking forward to coming to the U.S. The children of two of my classmates came to the U.S. for studies this year—one for university and one for high school. If the U.S. were not good, they wouldn't send their children here. I have several other friends who are busy with their children's plans to study abroad, and the U.S. is their first choice.