The main purpose of the protagonist is to express herself as an American, because she now resides in the United States of America. We realize that she is very glad to express herself properly as an American when she says: "when I was done, I read over my words, and my eyes filled. I finally sounded like myself in English!"
However, the protagonist also wants us to know how her family's past impacted their views, and the deep connection which she feels with her mother. This can be seen when the protagonists says that her mum tried to make her feel better when shhw fought with her father. Her mother was also very supportive: It can be seen when she said "Go away,” I wailed, but we both knew I was glad she was there, and I needed only a moment’s protest to save face before opening that door".
