As a first generation American born and raised in the diverse state of New Jersey, I've always been in the presence of both Americans and various minorities. As I was growing up, there seemed to be noticeable differences between the American households and my more ethnic friends. No matter what country my friends' parents' were from, I was always able to relate to the general fact that they were also "foreign." I picked up on the similar cultural tendencies, as I'm sure my friends did when they visited my home.
No matter where your parents came from, you undoubtably faced these struggles at some point in your life.
1. Your parents gave you a traditional name that 99 percent of people pronounce incorrectly. When teachers took attendance in school, you eagerly waited for how your name would be called out. Most of the time, how they pronounced your name wasn't at all close to how it actually sounds.
2. Your friends always ask you to say words in your language, and then they attempt to repeat you. They might use Google Translate to send you a funny text, and it always catches you off guard.
3. You are constantly being asked “what are you” and even though you say you're American, that answer isn't good enough. Basically, you were born and raised in America but your parents were not. People still ask you “but what are you” or “okay, but like, where are you from?”
4. Every time you complain or get in an argument with your parents, they bring up their immigration hardships or tell you how much they had to give up in order to come live all the way in America. They automatically win that one.
5. One or both of your parents is an amazing cook, which means you mostly ate home-cooked meals growing up. You know that sometimes the leftovers are infinitely better than when you ate the same meal for dinner the night before. You probably offered your friends some cool ethnic foods when they came over to your house.
6. You brought different lunches and snacks than your American friends. While they typically ate a turkey sandwich and Trix yogurt, you brought those amazing leftovers. All of your friends would ask you what you are eating and if they could try it too.
7. Your parents still want you to be educated about your culture and language, so they send you to school on Saturday's or Sunday's too. Knowing your native tongue is extremely important to your family.
8. Even though your parents might have a heavy accent, they still speak English with your friends. Of course, you can't help but notice some things getting lost in translation.
9. You become a mixture of your two cultures. Your parents teach you all about a whole different culture and where they (i.e. you) come from, as you are your own American citizen. You also often intertwine the language your parents speak at home with English.
