Reality hits but no turning back -- Hitting rock bottom and rebounding -- Turning obstacles into openings -- Not just about me anymore -- Halfway point is getting rough -- Hitting my stride and taking control -- Returning a different person -- New curves and bumps in the road -- Adapting to new and different cultures -- Hitting curveballs -- Finished a journey and embarking on a new dreams -- Epilogue: a lesson from America.; Includes bibliographical references and index.;