I have four months left to prove that I am mature enough to live on my own, far away from Hanoi, which is my hometown and the capital of Vietnam.

When I was fifteen years old, I decided that I needed to study in America, which was "heaven on Earth" in my silly point of view. It was just a childish thought, you know, but it gave me the motivation I needed to better myself.

I worked on my English by actively attending an English-speaking club, communicating with native English speakers and participating as a volunteer tourist guide. Finally one day, just about a year ago, I told my parents that I wanted to go to the United States.

My parents agreed to fund my trip on one condition: I must prove myself to be mature enough to live on my own far away from home. I have until this June-when I turn 18-to show I can do this.

So, I keep a diary to express my emotions, to treasure my experiences, and, ultimately, to be able to answer my parents' question in the very near future.

Almost a year has passed since I first met Visakan Ganeson, EvCC's director International Programs, in an informational session for international program in Vietnam. Impressed by his professionalism, enthusiasm and service, I came directly to Everett.

I am majoring in business, and now I am preparing to turn in an assignment to the strictest examiners of my life. But, in the meantime, I'd like to share my work with you, too.

Some of these articles are based on my own experiences. Some are based on the experiences of my peers. All of them reflect the reality of international students living and studying in the United States.

Through this series of articles, I hope you will gain knowledge about other customs and perspectives, and hopefully, they will make you laugh.