My name is Yiman. I am eighteen years old. At eight years old, me and my mom immigrated to the United States for a family gathering. Before immigrating to the US I was a little introverted, but after immigrating to the US I started to become extremely introverted. 

Becoming more introverted is all because of this new environment. When I came to the US everything was different from China. The languages, atmosphere, people, and food are very different from China. On the first day of school,  I didn’t talk to anyone and I was alone when I’m doing everything. Everyone is speaking English which I don’t understand. Remembering the first day of school, all the kids looked at me with those strange eyes and whispered to each other. Slowly I started to become extremely introverted.

On a winter night, heavy snow blankets the outside world in a blinding sea of white. The apartment brings warmth and solace through the scrumptious food cooked by my mom. Me and my mom and my dad gathered in front of the dinner table and ate hot pot  while watching TV. My mom realized that my status isn’t like usual. My mom wanted me to be extroverted and not be shy all the time so she decided to sign me up for a Chinese traditional dance class.

 I rejected this idea because I was one of the kids who did not like to go out and interact with people. However, after two weeks of bickering, I concurred with my mom's idea because I saw many videos where people danced like delicate flowers swaying in a gentle breeze. 

Soon, I started learning Chinese traditional dance. I practiced tirelessly, pouring my sweat and soul into every step, and then I finally got a chance to perform. During these dance classes every week, I never talk and all I do is to shake my head to say yes or no. On the day of my first performance, I peeked backstage through the curtains. Hundreds of people were sitting there; the atmosphere was tense. I walked on stage with hesitant steps, my confidence as fragile as shattered glass. All my dance moves were timid. I could not make any eye contact with the audience. After the performance, one of my teammate's mom criticized me: “Your facial expression was very stiff. I’m disappointed.” At that moment, I felt disrespected, but I still apologized to them. After a few days, I went to dance class, and there were 3 or 4 parents criticizing me. At that moment I really wanna jump out of the window because I tried my best to stand up on stage and now they are all criticizing me. I just built up my confidence, but after this I went back to an introverted girl and an unconfident girl again. 

During middle school, I made a very special friend. We became best friends, and she danced with me. Her words were supportive, which lifted me up whenever my confidence faltered. With her reassurance, we recorded videos in parks where we came in contact with random people. At first, I felt uncomfortable, however after a few times dancing in front of strangers, I became more courageous. Slowly, I realized that dancing in front of people was not a difficult thing. I started to learn how to interact with the audience and control my facial expression.

This experience has helped me build confidence along with a lesson that: there is not anything that I can’ not overcome if I try. I learned how to interact with my teammates and solve different issues. Now I find myself braver, and not just for performing on stage. Now I am outgoing and curious to try new things by volunteering in school events. Chinese traditional dance helped me to be confident and started to get away from being an extreme introvert to a girl that is not afraid and shy with everything. With this experience, I took the initiative to find teachers at the school to host a Chinese traditional dance club. Through this experience, I've come to understand that everyone's perspectives vary, and their words may differ. It's essential not to dwell too much on what others say. Instead, have the courage to embrace yourself fully and disregard negative opinions. Be brave, be authentic, and prioritize your own self-assurance over external judgments