My suitcases are all padlocked, and as I look around my room one last time, I just realized that time flew by so quickly. From an immigrant, I am now an American citizen. Yes, my US passport was issued last Monday. I do get to keep my Green Card and my Philippine passport too, but with my US passport, I can go in and out without having to apply for a visa. I'm a citizen, and I am proud to be one.

I can't believe that during my first few weeks, I kept ranting on how homesick I was. Turns out, I wasn't. I really do love it here in America, and it's because of the system here.

I can now EASILY relate to people, and feel free to speak in perfect English. I remember the times when I would speak English in the Philippines, and most of my school mates would think negatively and ask, "Bakit ganyan ka magsalita?". Here in America, you can be whoever you want to be.

The world is yours to take, and you can achieve your aspirations without having people look down on you, since they believe in equality and justice.

I enjoyed my stay here, because most of my 2nd cousins are here. They're all boys, and I'm the only girl, so it's like having 7 older brothers who'll gladly teach you football and invite you to hang out with them, despite the huge age difference. I will miss them all, and I never got the chance to experience the whole cousin-bonding thing-- 'til now. And it was great.

I will also miss New Jersey. I will miss the Conti family, and Rich Finland. I learned so much from them, and they showed me how beautiful it was in the East coast, which makes me really want to reside there.

I am not ready to go home, and when I board that plane, it will be with a heavy heart. So much school work that I've neglected, I must now face. I am not looking forward to the pollution and the terrible weather in the Philippines, and the thought itself just saddens me. I need a miracle, and I hope that God brings me back here in time for Freshman year in College.

For now, goodbye to all the beautiful scenery. Goodbye to the insane 9.75 tax rate in California. Goodbye to the rights to cross the street without cars honking at you. Goodbye to the American hospitality.

This is my last goodbye, Mi Ultimo Adios.

God bless America; the greener pastures, my home.

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