The Great American Adventure Begins

She hardly seems a guard; more like a host with administrative duties.

She calmly attends to my immigration paperwork. Her pleasant, almost unofficial demeanour contrasts the sense of urgency and anxiety that accompanies the fear I feel. I am constantly haunted by previous bureaucratic mishaps which resulted in administrative nightmares and inconvenient delays. But after a moment of silence, which was probably serene for the border agent as she habitually fills out forms and photocopies passports, but was cold and nervous as I imagine being denied entrance to the United States under my student visa, she approached the long reception counter where I have been standing, waiting, biting my nails.

She politely instructs me regarding the proceedures required when leaving and returning to the United States under my student visa. The she sends me on my way with an earnest "Good Luck!".

Unlike being one of thousands who cross the border from Canada into the United States at the various crossings in Ontario, I feel like a person, not a threat, as I enter from Saskatchewan into North Dakota.

She welcomes me with sincere warmth into the heartland of America.