“I was really second guessing myself if I made the right choice or not.”

Story #51, Amarra Cabangon, Chinese-Filipino migrant 

Amarra Cabangon loves Manila. It’s where she was born and raised. “I miss the people most from Manila; my family, friends. It’s a lively city,” Cabangon expressed. Cabangon is currently a sophomore at Boston University studying Finance, along with Data Science and Politics. She moved to America after graduating high school in the Philippines.

Cabangon’s curiosity about the world led her to move away from home. “I always wanted to study abroad when I was growing up. I feel like there is so much more to learn from the rest of the world,” she said. Although Cabangon has relatives in California and applied to schools there, she feels Boston “is a nice stepping stone–it’s not too crazy but it’s also not in the middle of nowhere.”

Though she is ethnically Chinese, Cabangon said that when she came to Boston, “people could tell right away that I was Filipino because of my accent. But I couldn’t [see it].” Cabangon also pointed out, “In America, I feel like the people are more opinionated and individualistic, back home people are more about community.” The liveliness of the city is also different. “Everything in Boston closes at 6pm, back home the malls close at 10pm,” she explained.

Cabangon recalls being really homesick during her first months in Boston. “I was really second guessing myself if I made the right choice or not.” But after some time and many adjustments, Cabangon feels she “has learned to appreciate Boston more.” The Filipino community from Manila also is a piece of home for her. “It’s a tight-knit group. Before I left, there was a BU dinner for accepted students. That is how I met two of my [current] roommates,” Cabangon said. She also explained that BU students from Manila are all aware when others from their hometown join the community, and they all try to connect with each other.

Additionally, Cabangon came to appreciate certain aspects of Boston—like its weather—that Manila does not offer. She explained, “Honestly, the weather here–when it’s not too cold and windy–is an enjoyable type of cold, compared to the warm and humid climate of the Philippines. “It’s just a bunch of small [differences]. It’s not bad or good.”

Cabangon chose a business major with the hope of starting her own company someday. “My dream back home is that I want to create a business with value for people, especially Filipinos.” She also believes she is influenced greatly by her dad and grandfather, who do business. “I see the potential [business] has. I really feel that if you do good for people, you get fulfilled, and that’s what I really want to do,” she said. Nonetheless, Cabangon is still figuring out her career and what kind of entrepreneurship is best for her. 

As Cabangon is far from home, she seizes every chance to return. “I have gone back every summer and winter break so far. I would go every weekend if I could.” But she also expressed how grateful she is to be on the East coast, despite feeling homesick early on. “Since September, [immigrating] has been the most pivotal point in my life. If I had not gone, I would be a completely different person.” In the far future, Cabangon hopes to return to Manila and help her community thrive with her knowledge and experience from the U.S.