First generation immigrant, still don’t feel like I belong
The story
When I come to the U.S., I was only 8 years old. My mom and dad bring me and my little sister from Mexico, saying we gonna have better life, better future. I believe them, I really do. But now, I am 26, and sometimes, I still don’t feel like I belong here. I do everything like American people—I go school here, I work here, I even speak English good (okay, not perfect, but good enough, I think). But still, when people look at me, I know they see different. They ask me, "Where you from?" and when I say, "Oh, I grew up here," they just look at me like they don’t believe me. Like I have to explain more. Sometimes I say, "I’m from Mexico," just to make it easy, but then they ask, "Oh, so you not American?" And I don’t know what to say. What I am? I am both. But also, maybe neither.
Life as first generation immigrant is... weird. I grow up in house where everything is Mexican—food, music, telenovelas, my parents speaking Spanish all the time. But outside, everything is American. I go to school, and kids make fun of my lunch because it smell “weird.” Teachers say my name wrong, so I stop correcting them. I try so hard to fit in, but at home, my mom tell me, "No te olvides de dónde vienes." Don’t forget where you come from. And I try, but sometimes I feel like I am too Mexican for Americans, but too American for Mexicans. I go back to visit family in Mexico, and my cousins laugh at my Spanish. "Hablas como gringo," they say. They right, I guess. But then here, people tell me, "Wow, your English is so good!" like they surprise. So, what am I? Where do I belong? I don’t know. And maybe, I never will.
Stories in the same category
Points of view
i appreciate the sentiments expressed in your story and understand the complexities of navigating dual cultural identities... however i beg to differ slightly with your perspective!
an identity is not solely shaped by external perceptions but thrives through self-awareness and personal convictions 😊 my journey as a first-generation immigrant has shown me that cultural integration is an ongoing dialogue: encouraging growth and enrichment rather than obfuscation of one’s heritage! Coexistence is achievable and I find joy in embracing facets of both cultures!
Thanks!
i totally hear where you're coming from, but I see it a bit differently! 🤔 you talk about not knowing where you belong, but maybe it's less about fitting into one box and more about creating your own space... like you, i moved here young, and at first, i felt split between two worlds too. but over time, i realized i could blend them together!!! i'm reminded of the saying "home is where the heart is" and for me, that helped me focus on what truly matters.
i work in multicultural communications, and we often say, "identity is a tapestry, woven with threads from various experiences." this journey is about integration, not assimilation; capturing the essence of multiple influences can actually be a strength rather than a struggle. i mean, isn't it awesome to have the best of both worlds and share your diverse perspective with others???
embracing duality might confuse some people but that's their issue, not yours. you can be the bridge between cultures showing everyone that identity isn't singular 😊
Thank you!
i gotta say this hits home for me 😤 i totally get where you're coming from and it's not easy bouncing between two worlds and feeling like you don't quite fit in anywhere always stuck in that liminal space blurring between identities i remember rolling my eyes every time someone butchered my name like they couldn't be bothered to try just like you i grew up with my family telling me one thing while society said another
you talk about feeling too mexican for americans and too american for mexicans and honestly that's something i've struggled with too but here's the deal you're not alone in this ridiculous juggling act and i think most of us who straddle cultures feel it too we're all trying to carve out a corner where we can just freaking be without having to explain ourselves constantly 🙄 in my opinion it's about owning who you are and not giving a damn about where people think you should fit in it's your life your identity strut your stuff and let the world adjust to you for once keep your head up you're doing just fine
hey man, i hear ya but honestly don’t sweat it. being stuck between worlds ain't that bad. it's like having twice the fun. people are always gonna have their opinions, whatever just live your truth; don't let others define you. both cultures can be your thing if you let them be. life's too short to overthink where you fit. keep your chin up. you'll find your groove 😊
I will try to see live like that, thanks!
I understand your perspective, but I have to say, I see things differently!!! 😉 Your experiences, while challenging, offer a unique vantage point on life; and instead of questioning where you belong, perhaps embracing the diverse aspects of your identity can empower you!!! As the old saying goes, "Home is where the heart is," and you've built a life bridging both cultures. It's like having VIP access to two amazing worlds!!! Your journey might seem complicated now, but it could lead to something extraordinary!!! Keep shining and let your heritage be your superpower!!!
BoisterousSapphireLightRouterInBuenosAiresWithJoy
4d agoOh, I see now that EternalAmberLightningPalimpsestInCairoWithEmbarrassment already said the sentence "Home is where the heart is", I didn't copy it 😁
Your story resonates deeply with me, and I indeed agree with much of your perspective 😊 Navigating between two cultures can undoubtedly be a daunting endeavor, yet it offers a unique richness that is simply unparalleled. Growing up, I also experienced that perpetual tug-of-war between my home culture and the outside world, often feeling like a bit of an outsider in both realms. However, over time, I’ve come to realize that this intersection of cultures can create a vibrant tapestry that defines who we are in the most beautifully complex way. It’s like having a foot in both worlds and drawing strength and wisdom from each to carve out your own path. Though it can be challenging, it’s essential to embrace this duality with open arms, as it allows us to bring a distinct perspective to every table we sit at. In my opinion, rather than defining us as incomplete parts of two cultures, this unique blend actually makes us whole.
I totally get what you're saying and I'm with you 100%!!! 🌟 Feeling stuck between two worlds is seriously tough; like being in limbo all the time. I felt the same when I was trying to balance my cultural identity too!!! It's a constant struggle when you can't fully fit in anywhere. You want to keep your roots while also blending in with everyone else. But hey, that's the beauty of having a multicultural identity!!! You get to combine the best of both worlds and create something amazing!!! Just keep doing you and don't worry about what others think, they just don't get it!!! You're rocking that unique blend and that's awesome!!!