What is the American dream? Everybody has different opinions about it. Some would say it's a chance to buy and own a home, but for me it's more than that. It's a chance to be someone better than I was before. The American dream may seem idealistic, but I was fortunate enough to experience its reality from my parents. My name is Pasang Tenging Sherpa, but I don't use my middle name so it's just Pasang Sherpa. I was born in Nepal. I spent my childhood living in my country. In our country we have rooftops where we sit and bask the sun. Typical days at home with my family start with family gatherings. In school, we mainly focus on our studies. Sports were given less priority. I used to play games on my desktop for fun.

In my country, there are many organizations fighting for our human rights like UNICEF and the UN. Politics in Nepal are similar to the U.S., as both countries have divided power among the politicians. My favorite food is Mo, also called dumplings. Dumplings are a broad classification for a dish that consists of small pieces of dough, often wrapped around a filling. The dough can be made out of bread, flour, or potatoes, and may be filled with fish, meat, sweets, or vegetables.

My parents are from the same country as me. I think they met when they went to the capital in search of a job. My parents were born in the rural area of Nepal, in a place named Solukhumbu where most Sherpa's are born. Sherpas (Tibetan: "eastern people", from shar "east" and pa "people") are an ethnic group from the most mountainous region of Nepal, high in the Himalayas. About my grandparents, I think they met on the day of their marriage because many marriage rituals were based on arranged marriage at their time. My grandfather is a monk, so every year there is puja "worshipping the god" in Solukhumbu. He has to attend that puja every year and sometimes I used to go with him.

The trip to my village from the capital Kathmandu takes three days if you intend to walk. By plane, it takes around 45 min or so to get there but it's dangerous. Nowadays, many roads are built so it's safe to use the mini bus. The bus trip takes one day to reach my village. My dad came to the United States first and then he submitted the paperwork for us. I found out about moving to the United States after we were called to the immigration center for some paperwork and immunizations. I felt anxious and excited because I was about to meet my Dad.

I think the reason for me to be here was to access a safe and secure future and get a good quality education.

I came to United States in February, 2014. It was the first time that I travelled to a place different than the place where I was born. I had to leave my family, which was scary and exciting. Also we had to make two transfers to reach New York. It took us one and a half days to reach New York from Nepal. The trip was so long and I didn't sleep for a single minute until we reached New York. I didn't sleep because I was leading the way and I thought if I slept we might reach other places than expected.

After hearing the news that we were going to come to the U.S., my dad rented an apartment for us. Now it has been almost two years since we arrived here in the US. The most confusing thing that I encountered was the subway. Yes I have many relatives residing in New York. My uncle was in the U.S. long before we came here. He helped my Dad to fit in the American society and also he helped him to find a job. Overall he was the first person who welcomed my Dad. The person who welcomed me was my Dad. My mom and dad are the people who recognize my talents and keep me motivated and moving. They didn't have the opportunity to go to school, yet they managed to work hard and give us the opportunity of education. They remind me of how difficult it is to work without an education and that without a good degree no one can get a good job that pays well. That's the main thing, which helps me to be on track to achieve my goals.

I have changed a lot ever since I came to United States. I have experienced much cultural diversity.

Also being fluent in English is a great change. I think I took the American habit of watching late night movies. I don't really watch any TV shows but I prefer watching Sci-Fi and adventure movies. I spend my day at school studying and playing sports. I play tennis and also swim. I see myself wearing a white coat and diagnosing a patient in the next 20 years. First, I will complete my bachelor's degree in biology and go to grad schools for medicine. Then I will be working in a hospital as an intern. By working as an intern I will acquire the knowledge for my profession. Then I will get my medical license and start working. After few years, I will move to a bigger apartment and live with my family. I imagine myself being a noble, honest and helpful person. Because being a doctor is a noble profession, consisting of helping others and making them happy about their health. I am thankful to my parents because they brought me to this country for my better future. I have many opportunities, which I couldn't get back in my country. Life can be so hard at times, and if you don't have good degree of education no jobs will pay you better. Every time I see my parents working and struggling to find a job I feel that education is a must in people's lives. This motivates me to take a whole new lead in my education.