My name is Tim Long. I was born in Cambodia. I worked very hard as a farmer for about 37 years. I planted rice with my family. I had a big family , but in 1975, the Khmer Rouge killed many members of my family. My family was forced to work as slaves for the Khmer Rouge for three years, 8 months, 20 days. We had only 4 people left in my family. In 1979, we escaped to Thailand. I lived in a camp for about 5 years where I worked carrying bamboo.
    In 1986, I left Thailand and moved to the United States. Now I live in Kent, WA, with my mother and my son. I want to continue studying English.
    When I first came to the U.S. in 1986, I didn't know how to speak English. Then I started to go to ESL class and it really helped me a lot. Life in the U.S. is getting better. When I walk down the streets, I can read the signs and hear what others are saying. I would like to thank all my ESL teachers because without their help I wouldn't be able to speak English with my American friends. The first time I met my teacher, John Avery, he helped me learn how to take a bus and how to get a library card. Now I am in his class again. I learn very slowly but I like to go to school. It is better to live in the U.S. than in Cambodia.