Tag: Expatriates

American Culture

2020 is Still Our Year – Coronavirus Can’t Win

Esther Tokognon

2020 is still Our year! We can’t let COVID-19 win. Most of us had different plans for this year. In fact most of us were planning on “making it big” in various aspects of our lives. Some of us were even planning a wedding … what were we thinking?? 

2020 is still our year even if it isn’t exactly going as we planned.

I bet none of us ever thought we would be doing virtual happy hours someday. God knows that never crossed my mind before! As I wrapped up week 5 of lockdown, I realize how much this pandemic has changed the world. We are all affected in some way, but some definitely more than others.

At this exact moment, someone nearby is mourning the loss of a loved one due to this awful virus. Right now, someone we know lost their job and is struggling make ends meet. Those of us that are blessed enough to still have our jobs and extra blessed to work from home are having to multitask at its finest. So many people are currently juggling being an employee, a parent, a teacher – all at the same time.

Oh and single parents… how can one do it all? May the Lord give you all the strength to go through this tough time.

Work From Home Kids GIF by MOODMAN - Find & Share on GIPHY

My heart goes out to everyone. I want to thank those that are out there everyday saving lives, and those that are risking their lives to provide us with necessities such as food and groceries. Special kudos to all the delivery drivers that allow us to stay safe inside while they deliver whatever we order. Be kind to them and if you can, please tip them extra. As mentioned in one of my previous articles, tips are a big part of the American culture.  

Sad The Office GIF - Find & Share on GIPHY

The beauty in this… In the midst of all this chaos, I realized that humans are very adaptable and constantly adapting. As Charles Darwin once said, “It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” As human beings, we are constantly adapting to new things, new social and political environments, new jobs, new financial times…etc. that were often unpredictable. Although we are going through a big change in the world, let’s remind ourselves that we can do it – we have been doing it. 2020 is still our year!

One day at a time!  

Adaptability doesn’t happen overnight for most people.  

Change can happen overnight and most humans are able to adapt. However, adapting to something new doesn’t happen overnight, it’s a constant process. It’s OK for certain things to not be the way they used to be while we try to figure all this out. As we try to develop and master a new routine, let’s keep in mind that occasional frustration is ok; a decrease in productivity is ok; a few extra pounds is more than ok 😁🙃. Please remember that just because people are posting about their home projects, and you don’t have any doesn’t mean that you are behind. Take your time to master your own routine and invest time in what matters the most to you! 2020 is still our year!

Most habits don’t form overnight.  

And to all international students graduating in May, please remember to apply for your OPT as soon as possible. More information can be found here.

You Got This Just Do It GIF by Victoria's Secret PINK - Find & Share on GIPHY
American Culture

Where Is Home When You Live Abroad?

Esther Tokognon
Vacation, Home away from home, Live abroad

So where is home? ... If I had a dollar for every time I get asked that question, I would be cruising in my Tesla right now! 

It’s a logical question that most people ask to understand one’s origins – especially for us non-native English speakers. However, this question can sometimes trigger way more emotions than it’s intended. For some people, it’s a constant reminder that they are away from their families. 

Personally, I have always viewed the question as an opportunity to educate people about my country and its culture. So, the answer to that question always came very naturally to me. I was always quick and eager to answer “Benin”. Benin is my motherland – where I was born and raised, and where my family still resides. I lived there for several years before moving to the United States in 2011.  

Recently, while talking to my friend (who is also living abroad) about some of the challenges that foreigners face while living in a country different than their own, a common theme was the notion of Home. I realized that although I have become very accustomed to the United States norms, culture and traditions, my coworkers might say otherwise ;). The reality for people like us is that regardless of how great we hold on to our native culture, or how well we learn about the culture and traditions of the countries we live in, we are still foreign to both worlds. In my situation, I became too Americanized for a lot of Beninese nationals, yet not Americanized enough for my dearly loved Americans. This has been so well written by Ijeoma Umebinyuo in the Diaspora Blues 

“So, here you are 
too foreign for home 
too foreign for here. 
Never enough for both.” 
– Ijeoma Umebinyuo, Diaspora Blues 

So why I am writing about this? 

Home can have different significances for different people. I realized that home for me, was more than just where I was born or where my family resides. Don’t get me wrong, being from Benin is perhaps the most amazing things that happened to me. It shaped me into who I am today and unleashed me with the knowledge and strengths necessary to thrive!  

Home to me is where I have that sense of community, it’s where I’m the most comfortable to be myself, and where my heart is the most filled with happiness. To everyone trying to find their perfect answer to “where is home?”, I leave you with this beautiful saying of Warsan Shire –  

 “At the end of the day, it isn’t where I came from. Maybe home is somewhere I’m going and never have been before.”  

Your mind is powerful and the perfect mindset will help you make the most out of your journey and achieve greatness! 

Click here to learn more about the author 

Settling For Less Barack Obama GIF by Obama - Find & Share on GIPHY
College Life

Don’t Highjack Your Success in America

Esther Tokognon
People holding American flag

I bet you’ve decided to study in the United States of America because of all the opportunities this country has to offer. I did too!  

If you’ve been reading my articles, you’ve probably realized that this country has a lot of rules that are present nowhere else in the world, but can be detrimental to your success. Although we each have our definition of success, I refer to it on this blog as steps you can take to make your time in America the best it can be! I started this blog because I know that adjusting in this country is hard. It’s very easy to get lost and forget the main reason why we came here.

Below are some rules and advice that may seem basic but are extremely important, especially for international students that are long ways from home. There are things that I learned throughout the years, and I would hate for you learn the hard way! Some of the advice on here are from things that I’ve seen happen to certain people that I know. 

Americans use Fahrenheit

Very few countries use Fahrenheit to measure temperature, the U.S. is one of them. You won’t need to adjust if you are from one of those countries. However, if you are like the majority of us, you will have to adjust to that. Use the weather app on your phone and always check the weather before going out. 

Taxes aren’t included in the price tag

Shopping wasn’t necessarily fun for me. Unlike the rest of the world that displays the full price of an item, Americans don’t do that. In the early days, I found myself having to return items several times cause the total came up a lot higher than I thought it was going to be 😥. There are however 5 states that have no sales tax – Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon. If you live in one of those states then lucky you, but if you are like me, save yourself the embarrassment and plan for an extra 3%-10% of total price pf good purchased for state and local taxes.  

Ok, now let’s get into the most important stuff. 

Make friend with the right crowd

Bad things can happen to anyone anywhere. However, there are ways to reduce the probability of those things happening to you. We love America, and the fact that people have the freedom to do what they want. This is also why it’s important to not hang out with the wrong people and get dragged into trouble with them. You don’t want to have a criminal record because of something dumb you did. Entering the workforce in the U.S is very challenging for international students, but will be even harder if you have a criminal record. Please don’t hijack your success by making bad decisions! 

Must be 21 to drink

If you didn’t know that before, now you do! You must be 21 years old to order and drink alcohol. Please follow the rule, even if you were used to drinking alcohol back home. Don’t be tempted to get a fake ID, as you could face serious consequences if you get caught, which may include jail time. Also, even if you have an international passport that technically allows you to drive here, get your state’s driver’s license before you drive. Talk to your International Advisor if you are interested in applying for a driver’s license. Don’t highjack your success in America!

Do not apply for a credit card

Don’t get trapped into the American credit system. Again, as a newbie in America, steps you take now can positively or negatively impact your future. You have no business getting a credit card. Especially if you get them through stores. They make it sound like you will be getting a great discount by signing up for their credit card. Please refrain from doing that, as I know so many people that are now in debt and have ruined their credit score because they opened multiple credit cards with various stores. Your credit score is very important as it shows how fiscally responsible you are. In the event that you were to stay in America after you graduate, this number will be necessary if you want to buy a house, buy a car …etc. Click here to learn more about credit scores.

Please, please, please don’t make these mistakes that can highjack your success in America!