It has been almost two decades since I decided to make America my second home. Moving here in the United States from the Philippines was a whirlwind. I mean, sure, I was excited about starting a new chapter in my life, but nothing quite prepared me for the cultural shock.
The shift was monumental, from the vibrant and close-knit community back home to this fast-paced, most of the time isolating American life. It was like I was straddling two worlds, caught between the familiarity of my roots and the newness of this adopted home.
The initial days were tough. Should I say weeks, months, or better yet, years, simple things like food, language, and social norms felt extremely different. There were moments when I longed for the comfort of our then quiet streets in Dipolog or at times the bustling streets of Cebu where I spent most of my teen years, the aroma of Filipino dishes, and the warmth of familiar faces. I missed the fiestas, the language that echoed home, the deep-rooted traditions that felt like an extension of who I truly am.
Navigating my new space while preserving my cultural identity became a balancing act. I found solace in connecting with fellow immigrants, sharing stories of similar experiences. But even within the immigrant community, each journey was distinct, shaped by our unique backgrounds and struggles.
Amidst the cultural adjustment and longing for the familiar, finding meaningful connections and relationships in the fast-paced U.S. life posed a significant challenge. The pace here sometimes felt overwhelming, leaving very little time for forging deep connections.
Building friendships that echoed the camaraderie and closeness of my Filipino community back home was tough. In the Philippines, relationships often grew organically, nurtured over time through shared experiences, and an inherent sense of closeness. Here, the pace demanded quick interactions, making it harder to establish those deep, rooted connections.
The challenge of finding that sense of belonging in friendships and relationships was a rollercoaster. It demanded patience, resilience, and sometimes stepping out of my comfort zone to bridge the cultural gaps. Yet, over time, I learned to cherish the friendships I made, valuing the diversity in perspectives and experiences they brought into my life. These relationships, though different from what I was accustomed to, became an integral part of my American journey.
The ache for home was real—homesickness hit hard, especially during holidays and milestones when I couldn’t help but miss the familiar celebrations and the people who made them special. It took time to find a way to blend my heritage with the American way of life, to create a hybrid identity that felt genuine and true to myself.
Despite the hardships, this journey taught me resilience and opened my eyes to diverse cultures. I discovered strength in embracing both worlds, finding beauty in the fusion of my Filipino, Chinese, and Spanish heritage with the American way of life. It is an ongoing journey, but I have learned to cherish the richness of my roots while embracing the opportunities and experiences that come with living in the United States.
MIXED KNOT 