Moving to a new country and starting all over is no easy feat. You are surrounded by unfamiliar faces in an unfamiliar environment with unfamiliar norms and social values. Let me mention, lest I forget, the expectations that are set on you once there is knowledge and proof that you are from a foreign country.
When I moved here, as soon as there was confirmation that I was Jamaican, based on the way I spoke and addressed people, I was immediately held to a stereotype which instantly pissed me off. Here are some of the questions I was asked:
- Do you know what a flush toilet is?
- Did you live in a hut?
- Do all Jamaicans smoke weed?
- Are you all Rastafarian?
- Do you know how to speak proper English?
I was happy to answer questions until they were downright ignorant, so those I avoided.
Honestly, high school in America was not what I expected. I expected to see everyone segregated and sitting at different tables in different parts of the cafeteria. You know, the nerd table, the table with jocks and cheerleaders, etc. But it was not like that for me. This assumption was a bit naive on my part, but when the same portrayal of an American high school is stuffed down your throat time and again, it becomes a factoid.
It would have made for an interesting experience, but sadly, it didn't happen. It would have been fun to know which social group would accept me as a new member, so to speak.
The culture shock was also very real. The interaction between students and teachers, children and parents and the openness of the culture. What surprised me was how teachers were not addressed with a formal title which was a no, no in Jamaica. I, however, loved how everyone had open conversations in public about everything - sex, money, politics etc. - which is not done in my culture.
It was somewhat an intimidating experience having to start all over after fifteen years. Fortunately, I met other Caribbean people who made the transition so much easier and better. We had so much in common and they are still some of the best people I've met in this life.
I look forward to uprooting again and starting all over again, because it is always a learning experience for me.
