Children of first generation immigrants are faced with unique, albeit not uncommon, difficulties trying to intergrate into the American culture while perserving their own.This is my personal story of the struggles I encountered having parents, especially a father, who were strick, overbearing, but, above all, abusive.This experience led to so many bad choices in life, including a bad marriage which ultimately ended in a divorce. It’s my story of perservernce, courage, survival, and, above all, hope that even under the most painful circumstances we can beat all odds.