GROWING UP AS AN IMMIGRANT IN THE USA

Though I don’t look like it, I am an immigrant! I moved to the US from Australia as a child with my parents. We lived all over the place, literally on both coasts and well as north and south.

I had a really hard time in school over the years. Often being bullied for saying things incorrectly or bringing different types of food to school for my lunch. I went to many new schools and often felt there was no point in making friends since I would just move again at some point.

I was the first person in my family to attend university and later went on to get dual citizenship in the United States. I do miss Australia from time to time - especially the laid back culture!

Now, looking back I see that all of these experiences were preparing me to become a more kind and empathetic person. I think, if this was hard for me as a white individual, it must be ten times worse for those people who do not look as if they are from the US. I now try my best to be inclusive of people and I love experiencing new cultures! The US is my home now, though maybe not forever - but I’ve grown to embrace all the adversity I faced as a young immigrant coming to a new country.

#lemon8diary #lemon8partner #embracethejourney #vulnerable #immigrantstories #australia