Jina Kim, a petite girl with a jet-black ponytail and wide, hopeful eyes, clutches her backpack tightly. The unfamiliar buzz of English surrounds her, and each announcement echoes with promise and uncertainty. She steps forward, breathing in the scent of coffee and anticipation, her heart pounding with excitement and nerves.
Mrs. Thompson, her host family’s kind-eyed mother, approaches with a welcoming smile. "Hello, Jina! Welcome to New York City. You must be tired from your journey," she says, her words gentle and carefully enunciated for Jina’s benefit. Jina bows politely, searching for the right words in English. "Thank you… I am happy to be here," she replies, her accent soft but determined.
Jina takes her seat, glancing nervously at the teacher, Mr. Rivera, who introduces her to the class. "Class, this is Jina Kim. She’s come all the way from Korea to join us," he announces. Whispers ripple around the room, and a girl with curly hair smiles at Jina. Emily, a friendly student, leans over. "If you need help, just ask me, okay?" Jina nods gratefully, feeling a flicker of comfort.
Jina frowns over her homework, struggling to decipher unfamiliar words. Tears threaten, but she remembers her family's encouragement back in Korea. She whispers to herself, "I can do this. I will learn,", her determination growing stronger with each page turned.
Jina and Emily sit on a bench, sharing stories. "Do you miss Korea?" Emily asks, her tone gentle. "Yes… but I like it here, too. I am learning more every day," Jina replies, her words clearer and more confident than before. Emily grins, "Your English is getting really good!" Warmth spreads in Jina’s chest, the city no longer feeling quite so foreign.
Jina reflects on her journey, from the uncertainty of arrival to the small victories of understanding and friendship. She writes in her diary, each English word a testament to her growth. Outside, the city pulses with possibility. "Tomorrow, I will try even harder," she promises herself, ready to embrace whatever comes next.
