You Know You're a First Generation American When.... | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

You Know You're a First Generation American When....

You've always been just slightly different.

79
You Know You're a First Generation American When....

You're well cultured and unique in many aspects. However, you've never quite fit into the American culture as seamlessly as some of your fellow American peers. You've always been just slightly different. And even though people may assume that you're American, often times, they don't even know the half of it.

1.You know one or more foreign languages.

Not knowing another language wasn’t even an option. Not today. Not Ever.

2. You probably went to Saturday Language school.

And you probably hated every second of it back then, but are more than thankful for it as an adult. You also probably cringed a little too when you first read that…

3.You’ve been asked by your friends to say a word in your language.

Andddd just for a second or two, you got to be the cool kid.

4. Your last name almost always gets butchered.

And you probably always stopped your teacher while calling role right before they got to your last name, just to spare their dignity.

5. Traveling abroad consisted of visiting everyone in your family rather than going to see all of the typical touristy places.

But going to visit your family abroad was really just another excuse to take a vacation.

6. Your life investment is your Education.

Straight A’s weren’t an accomplishment, they were expected. School always came first.

7. You pronounce certain English words awkwardly.

And you probably get your English sentence structure/word order just a little jumbled up every so often because of how many languages you know.

8. You have a very broad palate and will eat just about anything.

Cow intestines? Pickle soup? Yum. What a delicacy.

9. Cooking is an extra curricular activity.

Making anything pre-made, frozen, or out of a box is a sin. But you really can’t complain because your house always smells delicious.

10. Your parents probably had no idea what the SAT/ ACT was.

And you probably had to figure out how to get into college all on your own.

11. You always take your shoes off when you visit another person's house.

Just out of habit.

12. Your wardrobe has always consisted of clothing from around the world.

So essentially, you either always look chic and dapper when you go out, or like a hopeless 90’s kid.

13. You’re known as the “American” among your entire family.

And America is just this mysterious place that none of your relatives understand completely.

14. You embody a mashup of different cultures.

But no matter what, you wouldn’t have it any other way. It has made you who you are.

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

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

193750
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

16983
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459411
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27496
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments