I hope the IMMIGRANTS SERIES have been useful or, at least, helpful for you to know which direction you should take with your life and career in America. No, our immigrants' blog series is not going to be over (ever, lol), but the step by step of moving to New York, getting a place to live, inserting yourself in the market, and building a career, you should know by now. I have been in America for almost six years and, as I said in my last post, I still have a lot of stories and advice to share with you all. The next advice on what you should not do.
Ok, this happened to me recently and, even though I am not proud of it, I have to share it with you all because I promised to always keep it real. Injuring yourself is not funny. It is chaotic, painful, and if you do not have health insurance, very expensive. Not to mention that if you do not have your family close to you, you better have awesome friends and roommates who will look after you.
I tore two knee ligaments skateboarding. Yup, two… and yup, I do need surgery. Playing sports and living dangerously might be a lifestyle and a “mantra” but hurting yourself badly is the kind of thing you should think twice before making a decision. Sports are cool and we need them to be healthy/ move our bodies, but if you are not careful, you can get in real trouble. Part of the trouble you will be in is not having your family support because your family is far away.
Now, this might seem stupid but do not injure yourself. Do not push yourself too hard and do not try shit you are not good and experienced at. I have been skateboarding since high school and, even though I was never the best, I was fine. The one time I decided to try a trick I literally messed up my knee. So, sometimes, the most innocent decision and trick can fuck you up.
I obviously have people I can count on and I do not feel alone in NYC, but it does not feel the same as being in your parent's house asking them to bring you stuff and cooking for you in a post-surgery situation. I feel bad about bugging my friends to help me with everything. Always remember, friends are friends and not your parents.
This is definitely one of the hardest things when living away from your family. I just learned that the hardest way. So do not injure yourself, I do not recommend it.
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