When I’m not writing books, I teach English to immigrants who have come to the United States to make new lives for themselves. I think they are very courageous people — they have had to give up their homelands, leave their families and all that they know and start a new life in a new country. They do this to fulfill the same dream that most of our ancestors had — to build a better life. For the most part, they struggle mightily to learn a new language so that they can find work and secure their families well being; learning English can be a daunting experience — it is a difficult language and I see my students trying to muster all their confidence in school as they strive to say the new words in their new language. They come to school before going to work or after work, and their lives are very hard and challenging. I ask myself if I could have the courage to do what they are doing. I admire them very much.
Each of us, whether we are born here or come from other places in the world, also have to perform courageous acts as we make our lives as human beings. Life is never easy, I know. What is the most courageous thing you have had to do in your own life. Please share with me.

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