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Hey everyone, welcome back to the podcast. I'm really excited about today's episode because we have a very special guest, Daniel. He's going to share his incredible journey moving from China to America. And trust me, you're going to hear all the ups, downs, surprises, and important lessons he's learned. Daniel, thank you so much for being here. How are you feeling right now? Nervous? Excited? Both?

Thanks for having me, Emily. Yeah, I'm definitely a bit nervous. I mean, it's not every day you share your whole life story like this, but mostly I'm excited. It feels good to finally open up about it. You know, the whole experience was such a roller coaster. Some moments I still remember like they happened yesterday.

I bet. And I'm sure a lot of people listening really want to know what it's like. The real honest story, not just the highlights. So, let's start at the beginning. What was life like for you back in China before you even thought about leaving?

Okay, so I grew up in a small city in eastern China. Not a big place, just one of those quiet towns where everyone kind of knows each other and life moves slowly. My family was pretty average. My dad worked in a factory, my mom was a school teacher. They worked really hard, so we had a stable life. But honestly, life felt predictable. I studied engineering at university and then got a decent job. People would say, "Hey, you're doing well." But inside, I felt like I was stuck in a box, you know, like the world was so much bigger than my little town and I wasn't seeing it.

I think that feeling is so relatable, like there's this pull towards something bigger, even if you have comfort and stability. Was there a specific moment or event that made you go, "Okay, I'm really going to leave China."

Yeah, actually, a few years into my job, I started watching expat vlogs and YouTube channels. People sharing their daily lives abroad, mostly America. It was fascinating. They had so much freedom to try new things, meet people from everywhere, and build different kinds of careers. One video showed a guy working in tech startups. Another showed someone traveling on weekends. I thought, why can't that be me? But it wasn't just wanderlust. I wanted real growth, challenges, and new opportunities. I remember having a long talk with a close friend who'd studied abroad. She told me, "If you wait for the perfect moment, it'll never come." That stuck with me. So, I decided no more waiting.

Wow, that takes guts. I'm curious, how did your family take the news? I know in many cultures, especially close-knit families, moving far away can be really emotional.

Oh, it was tough. When I told my parents, my mom cried a lot. She was worried about me. What if something happens? Will you be okay alone? My dad was quieter, but you could tell he was concerned, too. My younger sister said she didn't want me to leave. We argued a bit about it. The goodbyes at the airport were the hardest. I hugged my mom and felt her tears soaking into my shirt. It was like leaving a piece of my heart behind. Honestly, I still get emotional thinking about it.

I'm getting goosebumps just hearing that. I remember when my best friend moved abroad for college, her family had the same mix of pride and fear. So, after the decision and goodbyes, how did you prepare for the big move?

The prep was crazy and stressful. First was the visa application. I had to gather tons of paperwork, financial statements, school transcripts, letters of recommendation. I spent hours practicing English every day for the visa interview because it had to be in English. I also researched flights, housing, cost of living. I bought guide books, and watched videos about what life in America would be like. Honestly, there were nights I'd lie awake wondering if I was ready or if I'd even get the visa.

Visa applications can be so nerve-wracking. Did you have support during that time?

Yes, thankfully. A college professor who had studied in the US helped me so much. She reviewed my documents, gave me interview tips, and even did mock interviews with me. Plus, my friend who'd been abroad kept encouraging me. Without them, I probably would have given up.

Support really makes all the difference. So, the visa got approved. What was the day of your departure like? Walk me through it.

That day was surreal. I woke up super early, triple checked my luggage, and said my final goodbyes. The airport was packed. I felt this weird mix of excitement and fear bubbling inside me, like butterflies mixed with a storm. When I went through security, I almost cried, realizing I was really leaving home forever. On the plane, I stared out the window for hours, thinking about everything I was leaving behind and what was waiting for me. The 14-hour flight was the longest and quietest I'd ever had.

I love that you really took the time to absorb it all. I remember my first big flight abroad. I was trying really hard not to cry, too. So, when you landed, what were your first impressions of America?