Experience with Fireworks in America

A couple of months after I came to the United States, my kids and I were in the house but they were sleeping. Around 10 o’clock at night I saw a huge fire light outside beside our house that was sparkling. It made me think it was transformer was burning. I shouted and called my children. I was so scared and shouted fire! Fire!! Fire!!!

I was running out of the house, and they tried to stop me, but I was too scared to wait for them. I continued running into the street and they also ran, following me and asked what was burning. My elder daugher decided to call her dad and he called me immediately to ask what was going on, and I told him that the transformer had exploded. He laughed at me and told me it was not, that it was fireworks. I asked him what they call it. And he told me it’s bounger, which is what we call fireworks in Nigeria. I was surprised because in my country we have them from November to December. It was so much fun when we would light fireworks back home.

When I came back into the house my kids were laughing at me. I was laughing too. After that, they brought me to see the fireworks at McCoy Stadium and I saw a lot of fireworks there. When my husband came back home he was still laughing at me.

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Adesola - Nigeria

Being an American Driver

Being an American driver is a little harder than in Nigeria. I was afraid to drive here because of the laws about driving, but I haven't had a choice because no one has time to take me wherever I want. My husband needs to go to work and my kids go to school. I also needed to go to the library to attend English class and go to stores. so I had to take an Uber wherever I went.

I made a decision to start learning how to drive with a family member who gave me a little confidence and helped make the journey fast. But guess what! I still have fear when I'm driving alone because of the police. That's why I couldn’t drive far away from my house until my daughter suggested driving school. It took me five good weeks. My tutor was very nice and calm, even though he didn’t show up at the beginning, but sent his wife to teach me but she was also nice.

I applied for a road test at the DMV after some practice. I was looking forward to the schedule. To be honest, I was a little nervous about waiting for another month. I was glad to go with my tutor and it was amazing to pass the test. Now I am bold enough and more confident to go wherever I want to by driving myself. I drive without fearing the police, and continue to obey the law to avoid attracting them.

It’s great to drive without calling an Uber or waiting for my husband before I go out. This made it easy for my youngest daughter to take a job during the holiday. I was able to give her a ride and pick her up when she was done at work. I'm looking forward to working as well.

Being an American driver is a great privilege, but without driving by yourself and speaking English, life will be hard to make your dream come true. Now I am the newest driver in my city and thank God things are easier for me. I also give thanks to my teacher, Jon, for encouraging and supporting me with my English.

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Adesola - Nigeria