Student Spotlight: My Own Culture Shock

We can understand that anyone who starts a “new life” whenever they move from, whether it’s moving to a new home or moving from another city or state, there’s a normal time of getting used to new ways of doing things.

However, my life became completely “new” to me when I moved continents and left the home I had, the streets I knew and the many people that were my circle.

Hi, I am Dexee, a sophomore at PHS. My home used to be in the Philippines and I have been

living in the U.S. for 1 year and a half. I am Filipino and I speak three languages. I am from a country where they require us to learn to speak English and Filipino, and I am primarily fluent in Cebuano. My English is getting better every day.

Hi, I am Dexee, a sophomore at PHS.

Moving to the United States was not easy for me. I was really shocked by how cold the weather was! I come from a tropical country where people wear thin shirts during winter, and to be honest, I was not aware of the weather difference throughout the year where I grew up.

While the weather was a big difference, I was mostly shocked culturally and mentally. I lived in the Philippines my whole life until I moved to America when I was 14. I am used to my country’s people, food, and way of living. Back home people are very close to each other and very welcoming to new people. We get comfortable quickly, there are no strangers. When I first arrived here, people were more distant and not very talkative. It felt lonely.

Filipinos are extroverted and so active, always moving and working. Sometimes I see kids my age just want to be on their phones and not talk or move. Life here was a shock.

Life here was lonely. I left my good friends and with the time difference and no phone to communicate with, there was  “homesickness” as they call it. And the loneliness I felt was also for my old home, my food, my space that I left, my animals and pets. 

Many times this past year many small things made me longed for my old life becoming very emotional at times. It became a battle of self to remind myself why I was here and that it was worth the move with my family.

I decided to have the closure I needed with my old friends. Even when we did speak, it wasn’t the same. But I began to understand and accept that sometimes things change and it’s okay. 

I decided to honor our friendship for the time it was in my life, not for what it wasn’t. Accepting that our lives are different was important to me to move on. My old friends will always be special for the memories we have together.

 I came to realize that these hard times were just the downs in my life, but that there were also ups in my life, I just wasn’t acknowledging them. During these hard times, I began to lean on my faith and beliefs and that gave me comfort and encouragement. Someone said “Just give it a year” and here I am, over a year later and things did get easier. I am getting more used to my new life, day by day. 

I chose to tell my story not to inspire, but to remind everyone to take small steps when there is change. Lean on your faith, your roots, and be patient. I still struggle with my English pronunciation, with a lot of grammar, spelling, and speaking skills, and yet, after one year I have changed significantly for the better and this gives me confidence.

And after baby steps, take bigger ones. I took a huge step by taking Honors English and while it was a challenge, it took me to a path where the information helped expand my vocabulary. Take the initiative and big steps so that you know that you tried and that you challenged yourself. Sometimes others don’t know what you are capable of doing so push yourself. And when someone wants to help you, allow them to so that you learn more.

Remember that here at PHS, you will always find people who are in the same boat as you. 

As an immigrant I know that others like me are missing their own homes, culture, and families, but don’t forget that your culture will always live in you. Don’t forget why your family sacrificed and left everything behind. Take the opportunity that they gave you and don’t waste the sacrifice.

We have staff here that have such big hearts to talk to you about everything and as I have experienced myself they will always do their best to encourage you. Be reminded that being an immigrant doesn’t make us any different as humans. We like to meet new people, see new places, experience new environments, and ultimately we want to succeed.

My culture will always live in me but my new adopted culture is one I want to be a part of in order to succeed.