5 Things You Know Too Well If You're Quarantining With Your Immigrant Parents
Start writing a post
Student Life

5 Things You Know Too Well If You're Quarantining With Your Immigrant Parents

This one is for my first generation Americans

25
https://pixabay.com/photos/usd-rice-food-china-bowl-67411/

To get started, I identify as Chinese-American as I was born in the USA and my parents are of Chinese descent. They immigrated here from China in the 80's and have been here since. I personally haven't been back to my home country, but I heard it's got its ups and downs like all of us. But I'm also a college student, and like most college students today, I'm quarantined back in my hometown. But my experience is a little bit different and here's why

I can't understand my parents

So my parents are Chinese but they grew up in Vietnam, so they also speak Vietnamese. They're trilingual, isn't that neat? It is when they aren't constantly yelling at each other. I personally was taught Cantonese when I was growing up so that's what I understand. But they yell at each other every other hour in Vietnamese and I just hear doors slamming shut and things crashing

I should be back in my college town

I'm not living in a dorm, I still have a place to live near my college. I wasn't kicked out or anything, I'm still paying rent for my place while I'm in my hometown in fact. They were insistent on me coming home since it's better and safer than holing myself in my room all day.

Constant interruptions

They are constantly doing something around the house be it cleaning, cooking, or literally blasting traditional Vietnamese music in the background. Thank god for the mute button, but when it's my turn to speak or it's a group meeting? God, they can hear everything and anything with my mic apparently

Communication issues

Look, I'll admit I'm not the best at Cantonese. But it's not like I'm going to use terms like neural networks and data analytics in everyday conversation with my parents. But I can't even tell them, "Hey don't talk to me because I'm going to be in a club meeting". I'm simply telling them the most basic, I have something for school. That's it. I can say time, but I can't delve into anything more because I also don't know how to say Greek Life in Cantonese either.

Home Cooked meals

Aight, I'll give, this is pretty nice. There's no way in hell that my PWI is gonna have legit Vietnamese or Chinese food nearby. To name the ones I know how to translate in English, it's pretty nice to have Mapo Tofu or Pho ready, fresh and hot. The taste of jasmine rice is better than the dried brown rice of the dining location that I work part-time at my university.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Content Inspiration

Top 3 Response Articles of This Week

See what's trending in our creator community!

1164
Top 3 Response Articles of This Week
gouletballet.files.wordpress.com

Welcome to post-spring break week on Odyssey! Our creators have a fresh batch of articles to inspire you as you hit the books again. Here are the top three response articles of last week:

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

5 high paying jobs don't need a college degree

Trade School Graduates Make Lucrative Careers Without College Debt

4135
5 high paying jobs don't need a college degree

The common belief that a college degree is a prerequisite for a high-paying job is no longer as accurate as it once was. In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, many lucrative career opportunities do not require a traditional four-year degree. As an expert in career development and workforce trends.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

The Enduring Legacy of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon

Its the 50 year anniversary

4406
The Enduring Legacy of Pink Floyd's 'Dark Side of the Moon

Since its release on March, 1973, Pink Floyd's "Dark Side of the Moon" has stood the test of time as one of the most iconic and influential albums in the history of rock music. Combining thought-provoking lyrics, innovative production techniques, and a captivating album cover, it captured the imagination of millions of listeners and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans worldwide. In this article, we delve into the making, themes, and enduring influence of this groundbreaking album.

Keep Reading... Show less
Featured

Dear Los Angeles...With Love,

After packing two oversized suitcases and two carryons with all the boho chic clothes I thought I needed to travel across the country for my dream internship, I quickly realized that although I may look like I belong out in the entertainment capital of the world there was a lot more to it than Free People dresses and fanny packs.

3417
Dear Los Angeles...With Love,
September: Los Angeles

Ever since I was younger I dreamed of moving out to California. There was something so amusing about being in the hub of it all that bursts with passion and artistry wherever you look. After a trip to LA when I was a sophomore in high school for dance, I fell even more in love with this utopia of a city and from that moment on, Los Angeles was that light at the end of the tunnel.

Keep Reading... Show less
Sports

The Madness of March Madness

Paying students is not the fundamental problem.

3540
DesktopImages

It is March and with it comes madness, and with that madness comes the exhausting debate on whether or not college athletes should get paid.

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments