How I Stayed in America (Part 17)

Indeed, how and why did I stay to live in America? Several of my acquaintances, who came to America to pursue a career, were not always successful. Despite their talent and many other abilities, they were never able to “move forward” here. By “moving forward” I mean acquiring success and recognition, which are two priceless aspects in America. We may all dislike this country, but we can never discount one fact: any professional understands that it is America that can give them the most. Maximum salary, maximum comfort, maximum “challenge” and, a very independent free life, where prejudices are just like mosquito bites on Lake Ladoga — they are there, but they are so insignificant in the context of the overall picture of the landscape.

Over the seventeen years of my life in the United States, I got to witness a variety of things. I have lived in Utah, California, Minnesota, and New York. When I say “lived,” it means that in each of the above places I had a home and led a certain lifestyle. In addition, I rented a house for a short time in other states, including Florida, in order to feel the difference. Although I came to the conclusion that I am still a West Coast person, and there is a difference.

Everyone has probably heard that there are zealous fans of either the West or the East coast. Rarely those who love New York, love Los

Angeles, or vice versa. Angelines tend to be slower, more relaxed, and louder than New Yorkers. New Yorkers, despite a huge swath of loafers and wannabes, can be very arrogant and snobbish. They tend to take pride by being a part of the Big Apple as well as sincerely believe that they are the ones who “make” New York the way it is. I remember my first informal meeting with the leaders of the Brooklyn Nets, during which my opponent, a local from Brooklyn, after asking where I came from, stated: “I’m really sorry.” Back then, I came from Minnesota. “Welcome to the real world” – at that moment I started laughing. Yes, I came from Minnesota, where I lived for a year, and, indeed, Minnesota was not the most mesmerizing or delightful state. However, the regret that my opponent felt, while being an essentially arrogant person, had nothing to do with me. I didn’t regret my time in Minnesota.

Furthermore, this was the state which allowed my husband to earn the maximum amount of money according to the contract, as well as to have the best position at work (in the team), where he could demonstrate his best performance. Everything in life is relative.

Arrogant New York is always a battle. This is a city for the individuals, who are mentally ready for abusiveness, and for people, who tend to be masochistic. The daily challenge set by New York is its rhythm of life, a merciless approach. In other words, it is a meat grinder that makes cutlets out of people. Someone becomes a Wagyu cutlet, and someone becomes an ordinary 1$ burger patty. Yes, in New York, Manhattan, Brooklyn and all the surrounding areas, people are just cutlets. I am not taking into account the opulent heirs and the rentiers now. How do people in New York differ from people in LA, for instance? Figuratively speaking, most people in LA like good steaks, or, at the very least, chicken tenders (whole chicken, breaded).

So, why did I stay in America? Probably because I lived here for more than 10 years and learned to understand it. Moreover, America did everything possible to make me feel grateful for residing here. My children were born here. This is where they grew up and went to school. They studied here, were treated by various doctors, practiced sports,

rested, worked… And you know what? I appreciate the outcome. All these years I’ve lived with the feeling that my life matters to someone. And not for my family, but for complete strangers. This is a truly amazing feeling, it captivates you. Americans value life; it’s their kind of ideology. Every American lives with the sense that his life is important. Every American is offered a choice in his favor, and then it depends on the person whether he wants it or not. If an American works well and moves up the career ladder, he is “doomed” to a good, healthy life. This is how the system works. Indeed, there is one most valuable feeling for any person here — a sense of security. It’s hard to give it up, especially when you have a lot of children.