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Adjusting to Life in America
Living and studying in a foreign country is a naturally transforming experience. When I came to America, the mental test of living outside of the “cultural cocoon,” is socially as well as inwardly alienating. The new culture demands one to learn a whole new language, rework personal habits and long for a desire to be a part of. I was so excited to receive my acceptance to a college in the United States. The culture of the United States had influenced me through television, I listened to music from the “States,” I watched their movies and followed the lives of their celebrities the way a monk does Buddha. I was so confident I had all it took to be an American.
It is unimaginable how it felt after just one week of realizing my “American training” was not even nearly enough. The change in culture, food, and language was devastating. What also devastated me more was my failure, I considered Americans really cool and would give anything to be like them, speak like they do with a touch of pride, speak out my mind, and have an interesting walk. For a week I was on a burger diet. It was the only thing I could eat because I used to back home because my friends and I enjoyed it from time to time at the local McDonalds. After one week, however, it was not fun anymore. Everything was in shambles, I had been paired with these boys from Africa, and because I spent most of the time in my room, I was yet to meet any Chinese students although I knew there were several at my new school. I could not communicate because of my strong accent, I was able to write decent English and speak to, but the accent was so heavy that the only thing a woman at the canteen heard was burger.
I was so insecure, depressed, and anxious all the time, especially every time I walked past these huge white football players. Almost all the movies I had watched showed well-built college athletes beating up on the weak kid. Sometimes I missed home so much it turned into tears. But I was determined. I read articles online on how to adapt to a foreign country and tried to adopt the tips. The most important one was learning to be away from home, from family, friends, the culture and even the weather. I stilled cried, but after I was done, I reminded myself that home will still be there and I had a purpose here. Staying in contact with people at home also offered huge encouragement and helped ease the burden of missing them.
Change is not always bad, and after a few months, we were friends with my roommate from Africa John Leti, and we spent time sharing stories of home, and the memories slowly covered the awful feeling. He had learnt to understand me, and I could make out word under his accent as well. I had honestly improved as a person, and in a few months, I was immersed in a foreign culture, and the little boy that used to cry was now grown. Unlike my fellow Asians, I did not spend time in Asian groups. My mind was open to the world, and I had friends from all over the world. John and I had become inseparable, and so I tried to join a Chinese group, and since I could not leave John behind, he tagged along. However, all they did was speak Chinese, and that was no place for John and also for me. I was offered a gateway to the world; why would I decide to stay outside.
Today, I am a full American. I am not yet a citizen, but I get calls walking through the hallways, which makes me very proud. My decisions brought me the happiness and comfort I longed for. Looking back, I see the growth and I see myself as a testimony for a foreigner encountering every possible challenge of a new environment to fully adapt. I have had adventures beyond learning and interacted with the world through wonderful people. Today I am the go-to person for fellow Chinese students joining our school. I try to encourage them to be open-minded, and most of them are happy and comfortable.
