When I began the long, dark road of immigrating to America, I had a beautiful, precious baby in my belly. My partner had to stay back home with his family because his father was on his death bed and, in fact, died the day after I left for America in September of 2008. When I arrived here, I hardly spoke a word of English. I was unfamiliar with the culture and the people. I did not even understand the lines on the roads that guided the traffic. I had a bachelor's degree from one of the best universities in Iran, but yet I felt lost in the grocery store, doing something as mundane as buying cheese.

  

Coming from Iran to America was like crossing a bridge without knowing what was on the other side. As I first entered America, I endured a culture shock. People were moving at a different and much faster pace. There was so much diversity and so much to navigate through. Everything was so different from what I was familiar with. Thankfully, after three months, a light appeared at the end of the bridge. I was introduced to the Vienna Presbyterian Church ESOL program. I met the director (Doris) and she was so supportive. She hugged me and invited me to stay for the Christmas party. She was so genuine and real that I felt relieved and supported and it made me cry. Not tears of sadness, but tears of relief. This was my first independent contact with this community in the States. I felt so lucky and I started learning English.

  

At Vienna Presbyterian, I did not just learn a language at the ESOL program. I learned a new lifestyle, a new culture, and a new way of living life. I learned the skills I needed to cope with my day-to-day life independently. As time passed, with the support of the church I could stand on my own feet and start my life again. I believe any immigrant should pay back to their community. For myself, I do this by teaching a citizenship class at Vienna Presbyterian in order to help the immigrants who need to apply to become an official U.S. citizen. This gives me a sense of purpose in the community, and it is truly a blessing.

  

Immigration is one of hardest steps in any individual's life. Some research shows approximately one million people are granted lawful permanent residence in the U.S. each year. An immigrant puts all of his/her family, friends, possessions, and all they are familiar with in the rearview mirror, and with one or two suitcases, sets out for a new world that most often they know nothing about.

  

I was very lucky because from the beginning I was exposed to the beautiful and loving environment of the ESOL program at Vienna Presbyterian Church. Being part of the Vienna Presbyterian Church ESOL program did not just teach me English. It affected my life in many other positive ways. My self-confidence improved, my independence grew, and my spirits were lifted.