In the early days after arriving in the US, I was often asked when I would go back. Not all of the inquiries were unwelcoming, but I understood that not everyone would like to have immigrants in their country.
It was not easy to stay in America. After graduation, it is difficult for a foreign student to work in the US legally unless you can find an employer that sponsors the H-1 visa. I was very fortunate to receive the permanent residency, a green card, through the national interest waiver program because of my research work and gracious support from many colleagues. The road to citizenship took seven years after I received the green card.
I have chosen to stay because I love America. I left China after the 1989 student movement. I saw on TV how a government sent tanks to crush peaceful student protests. I realized how important that people should have voices in deciding their leaders. It was here that I cast my first vote as a citizen in the general election in 2012. My own vote, which I do not take for granted, is the most important right that I treasure as being an American.
I love American workplace. After finishing school, I found a scientist position with a medical device company. Before long, I started to work on a product that can help millions of people with sleep apnea, a chronic condition that affects sleep and causes heart problems. America has the most competitive medical device companies in the world. I am always proud to tell people here and abroad about my work because we have the most innovative products to help improve and extend lives around the world.
I love American workplace. After finishing school, I found a scientist position with a medical device company. Before long, I started to work on a product that can help millions of people with sleep apnea, a chronic condition that affects sleep and causes heart problems. America has the most competitive medical device companies in the world. I am always proud to tell people here and abroad about my work because we have the most innovative products to help improve and extend lives around the world.
I love America because of its generosity. My graduate education and research were funded by government grants. I am happy to see taxes I pay and so do many others make possible these federal programs, such as the national institutes of health and national science foundation. I appreciate my local city and state governments are obsessive about keeping the roads free of pot holes after each long winter of Minnesota.
When I cast my vote this time, I reflected on my journey as a Chinese American. I benefited from an immigration policy that allowed me to use my talent to work on medical devices that can help millions. I understand the struggle of immigrants, and their desire to improve the life of their families. I love the non-profit organization Children's HeartLink, which I volunteer my time. Its mission to improve access to congenital heart disease care helps countless families and fosters friendships in partner sites in China, India, Brazil and Vietnam. What I have learned from the experience is that it is richly rewarding from collaboration and help others. I appreciate my teachers, neighbors, and friends who showed me how to value diversity, respect the environment and treasure our independence. These are the values that I have based on to cast my vote this year. And this is why I am proud to vote for Hillary Clinton.
Hi Quan! Great comments!!. As you know, I am a Canadian American and while the cultural differences are much smaller than for you, living here in the US has sometimes challenged my Canadian sense of fairness and equity, my assumption that (at least some) politicians really do seek to serve someone outside their own skins, and the responsibility I think we fortunate have for those who are not. As individuals, many Americans are giving, concerned, and engaged. Some, sadly, fit all the embarrassing stereotypes the world has for greedy, selfish Americans. What has been so sad for me in this election season is seeing the number of this latter version of American. Trump has forced us all to make pretty simple decisions and it is discouraging to see how many are willing to show their allegiance to the dark side, so many dark sides. Fortunately, this threat to the best of America has forced the rest of us to become even more vocal, committed, and determined to stand up for what is right and fair about this country and what we want for the world. I have already cast my vote for Hillary Clinton and we have contributed to her campaign in these final, desperate days. Trump does not even deserve to be American, let alone a presidential candidate.
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