Features: A Message from Claes Nobel Advisory Board Highlight - Tyra Banks High School Highlight Partner News College-Bound Advice A Senior's Words of Wisdom for the College Application Process Internships from a Student's Perspective Learn to Earn ABCs on the SAT Spotlight on Service Tsunami Relief: How You Can Help Red Cross: Give the Gift of Life--Every Drop Counts Students Follow Their Passion -- Taking Advantage of Special Opportunities People to People: An Adventure of a Lifetime The Joy of Journalism Adventure in the Alps: Summer in Switzerland Overcoming Challenges Coping with Change: Coming to America Struggling with Scoliosis: Obstacles into Opportunities Overcoming Personal Affliction Coping with Change: Coming to America By Ewurafua Addo-Atuah Central High School, Class of 2005 Memphis, Tennessee My name is Ewurafua Addo-Atuah and I live in Memphis, Tennessee, but am originally from Accra, the capital city of Ghana, in Western Africa. I have been in America for two years now and I think that it is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I was quite skeptical when my mother told me we were leaving home to come to America. You can understand my shock and disappointment, not that the U.S. was a bad place to relocate, but because I had to leave all the good things I knew and had associated with since my birth. I had to leave my father, other family members, my home, friends, and my school. What was especially painful was leaving my home, which was new, and my school, which I had just been attending for a year. Many people do not appreciate change and find it very hard to adjust. I do not find it very hard to adjust to new situations, but we all encounter some problems. The first year whizzed by so fast, I can hardly remember all the good things that happened to me in the U. S. First, I got to attend the best high school in Memphis--Central High School; I joined the French Club, got involved in many volunteer activities such as Girls' Scout and Kids Café. I also was accepted into a number of merit-based organizations and received the William H. Sweet Award for academic excellence from the Memphis City Schools. Whew! What a year it was. I wouldn't trade it for the world. After such hectic year, I went back to Accra for the summer vacation, which was a lot of fun. I hope to become a lawyer and inspirational speaker, advising foreign nationals to do their best and shoot for the best in spite of the fact that they are away from their homes. My favorite quote is "the sky is the limit!" This year as a senior, I am involved in many more organizations and have added the International Club and I have been accepted as an attorney for the Mock Trial Team of the 2004/2005 academic years. I wrote this article to show all people that all though we might think that new situations may be stressful and difficult to cope with, we should not be afraid. Take the bull by the horns and see what may come out of your new situation. << Back to Journal Home page