From Benoni to… Hudson
Sabrina Miles (22) left her home in Rynfield to explore the American Dream, but soon found out it was not as rosy as she thought.
The former Rynfield resident moved to Hudson, in Ohio, several months ago.
BCT: What do you do in America?
SB: I came to America though a cultural exchange programme called Cultural Care Au Pair.
It is a child care agency providing live-in child care.
They place you with families who best match your profile.
You have to sign up for 12 months, with an option to extend.
BCT: What was your expectation of the United States of America?
SM: I came to America with the idea that I would live a perfect life and the American Dream, but boy was I wrong.
America is an absolutely beautiful country, but just like everywhere in the world, it has its flaws.
The only difference is that things work.
People respect law enforcement; medical care is excellent.
When an issue arises it gets sorted out quickly and effortlessly.
But I would have to say the best thing ever is the feeling of being safe.
I can go for a run at 7pm and feel absolutely care-free and safe.
The biggest adjustment I had to get used to was that there are no 8-ft (2.4m) walls around the house, there are no security gates in front of our doors and there are no burglar bars in front of our windows.
Don’t get me wrong; there is crime, but it gets dealt with.
BCT: What advice do you have for youngsters who want to do what you do?
SM: I would advise youngsters to get a degree abroad.
That way you already have one foot in the door.
It is also an incredibly great way to grow up.
You no longer have mom or dad a phone-call away to help sort out your issues; you now need to be an adult and deal with things on your own.
It’s scary packing up everything and moving to a new and strange place, but I can guarantee it’s totally worth it.
BCT: Will you permanently relocate to the States?
SM: It was my plan to stay on in the US after my contract was done.
I was accepted into a university on an honours roll and selected to do a double major – I am still waiting for my visa to be approved.
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