Rants # 1

I come from a country that praises family, connections, respect for elders and humility. It places hard work and suffering on a pedestal. Comfort and taking the easier route is looked down upon. My personality was built in these deep-rooted ideals. So, when I migrated to a different country, I felt quite out of place. The standards that made me a star student and girl on her path to great success, made me an average, struggling migrant here. When I arrived here, I showed respect to my seniors- only to be seen as strange, and one who fit well with others. I used to measure my words before I spoke, was humble when people praised me and brushed off compliments (which was a rarity in itself)- only to be labeled as a shy, incompetent girl with no views or opinions of her own. I did not know how to take initiative, how to speak my mind with confidence and how to not be afraid of being wrong. I did not know how to ask for help. Social media now glorifies self-love, walking away when things don’t work out instead of battling discomfort, and to keep oneself on the highest pedestal. The biggest cultural shock to me was not the food, or the people, or anything materialistic. In fact, it was the quantum shift in values and principles. I now find myself shifting my values slowly to fit in with my new society. And I guess I am okay with that.