Haya Al-Ali WRA 101 5/21/2020 Project 1

Medical Error

My whole life, I have lived in the United Arab Emirates, up until my Freshman year of High School. My family and I moved to the United States for my mother’s medical treatment, after a doctor in the UAE made a simple medical error that greatly affected her health and our lives. The new reality has forced me to set three main goals, and they were: learning a new language, get accepted into a good university, and study till I become a great doctor to prevent any more medical errors hopefully. What I learned after all these years, is that time and patience are vital to accomplishing goals and that everything does happen for a reason.

Moving to another country was shocking and intimidating to me. I had to learn a whole new language and adjust to the new environment and culture. The primary language in the UAE is Arabic, so that is what I spoke. for the next three years of high school and was in ESL classes until I got Fluent in English. I also joined many clubs and volunteered to socialize more and improve my speaking. Another way that helped me adjust to the American language and culture is watching movies and shows. It took time, but my first goal is finally accomplished.

The next step was getting accepted into a good university. I chose Michigan State Because it was familiar to me after visiting my two sisters that also attend MSU.

Haya Al-Ali

WRA 101 5/21/2020 Project 1

The second goal was the easiest for me. I am currently working on my third and final goal that I set five years ago, which I know I can achieve with hard work and patience.

Moving to the United States has shaped who I am today. It helped me get exposed to new experiences and meet people from various cultures and backgrounds. At first, I was concerned with learning English to communicate with and understand people successfully. But throughout the years, I also adjusted to the new environment that differs significantly from my home country, the UAE.

I heard a saying that everything happens for a reason. I did not understand that at first, however, today, I am a huge believer that things do happen for a reason. The anger I felt after the doctor worsened my mother’s condition has directed me to the medical field. After being treated in America, my mother’s health is excellent right now, which is why moving was very worth the struggles. But this one medical error is the reason why I am successful at school and have a purpose in life.

It took time and many steps to achieve two out of three goals that I set for myself. The final goal will hopefully get accomplished after eight years of studying. As hard as that seems, I know it is achievable with time, and hard work like everything else is. Moving to America is the greatest life lesson I ever had, and I am very thankful for it.