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Student Union
 Theresa Tanner |
Abandoned Chinese baby
an American success storyMany people would say I have taken a journey filled with obstacles and challenges. As Robert Frost wrote, I took "the path less traveled." I left my biological Chinese family, my school, my friends, my language and my culture. I gave it all up so I could have my own family in the United States of America. But in the frightening process, I discovered myself as I was adopted from China by a wonderful American family.
I was born in Shanghai and came into this world with three strikes against me: I was female, one-handed and abandoned. I have been told that the police who brought me to an orphanage for disabled children found me on the streets of Shanghai when I was just a few months old. They definitely took me to the right place -- most of the children in the orphanage had physical disabilities.
The orphanage was my home for the first 12 years of my life. There, I did not get a good education, and I received little nurturing. My "family" consisted of other orphans protecting one another from older students who were often abusive and unloving.
Daily life was full of challenges. I was one of eight girls living in one small, sparsely furnished room. There were rats and insects in the classroom during the day and bats in our rooms at night. It was hard to focus, difficult to sleep and easy to feel depressed most of the time.
But my joy came in the mornings when I spent my time with the infants and toddlers. I imagined I was their loving parent. In this bittersweet way, I fantasized that I had a family, too, and these youngsters were my brothers and sisters. In this stark and bleak orphanage, everyone became my family -- even the staff. I clung to every kind word or show of affection.
As I grew older, the days became more challenging. Hope came when local Chinese parents came to adopt children. Unfortunately for me, most came to adopt males or chose only babies. I wanted a family who would love and care for me, and I finally realized my dream -- I was adopted by a loving American couple. I have lived in the United States for the past five years, along with an adopted little sister, also from Shanghai.
I am now 17 years old, and my life is full of freedom and love. The challenges I experienced as a child have taught me never to give up. I am a curious and dedicated learner. I love America, its people, its opportunities and most of all my adopted family. American history has taught me the value of freedom and independence, qualities that were forbidden in China.
I am thankful for God's gifts every day. I did not know how to read and write English until my parents provided me with teachers and tutors. With hard work, I have improved these skills. My adopted parents have spent thousands of dollars to put me in a good school, surrounded by loving and caring people. I believe education is a gift because not everyone in China has the chance to have a good education, as I have.
I try to count my blessings each day. I will never give up on myself. I can do anything a normal person can do! Sure, I have only one hand, but I have learned to work harder than other people. No one feels sorry for me; I kayak with my family, bowl with the school team, sew, have become proficient with computers, play the guitar and play softball. I want to give back to a community that has given me so much. Since freshman year, I have given more than 650 hours of service to my school and community.
I have done well this far with my limited English skills and physical disabilities, and I am determined to get into an outstanding college. I will study international business and use my three talents: I'm fluent in Chinese, I love math and I love art. I am determined to become a powerful role model for those who face challenges in their lives. I know I will have an effect on them and will let them know that choosing a road less traveled can lead to success and happiness. Just like Robert Frost, "I know I have many miles to go before I sleep."
Theresa Tanner is a senior at Sacred Hearts Academy.
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