Alex, in his mid-twenties, was forced to leave Saigon, Vietnam, his home country. He also had to leave his friends but to leave the country where he grew up in was a total sacrifice. But to leave for safety, there was no choice. It was a very complicating journey. He had to avoid getting shot at and being blown up. Alex also had to be very alert for unexpected attacks. Since he's living here right now, it's easy to tell that he was able to get past all those horrors. But that wasn't the end of it.
Alex, with his sister, felt awkward in this new country. They were unfamiliar with the places and didn't know where to go. At first Alex didn't know the language here but he caught on fast. He didn't adjust to the food quite well initially but now he dines in American restaurants often. Alex was able to find a place to live for his sister and himself. He was self-reliant and an example of his self-reliance is when he cooked for himself and his sister. He was most independent and worked alone.
Though it was a most complicating task to get out of the war, Alex was determined to get free and kept trying. He displayed self-preservation when he had to avoid having serious injuries. He adapted to our nature quickly and got along with people well. He was very eager to learn and now he is very well educated.
Darlene, 6/10/96