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

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

You've always been just slightly different.

78
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.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70723
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132344
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments