. . . or Around the World

I am a Sierra Leonean from Africa and I am very proud of my race, religion and ethnicity. My parents moved to the United States for a new life, freedom and possibilities.

I came to the United States on March 31, 1996. When I arrived at LAX, I immediately noticed everything different from my country--the streets, the buildings and the people. I was really scared of getting teased at school because my parents once told me that the country that we love, the United States of America, does not feel the same way about us. As an African, I wasn’t part of the people in America.

The most embarrassing thing that I faced was when I started going to school. I never wanted to go to school, because I can’t speak good English like other students. But I always do as my school motto in Africa says, “Esse quam videri” which means “Be who you are.” I knew that I was an African and a Christian. I was always scared of my new school but I tried to be who I am.

On my first day in school, some students asked me why was I different. I answered and they started laughing at my accent and teasing. After awhile, a group of students came up to me asking me annoying questions. Some students asked me if I used to live in tents or in jungles. They asked me if we go naked in our country. I said to them, why are you guys asking all these questions. They answered because I am from an uncivilized and undeveloped country.

As American students, we always think that we’re the best in the world, which I am not saying is true or is not true. Americans always think that the way we speak English in America is the same way others do.

As far as I am concerned, education in the key to success. As for Americans, we need to know the differences of people around us and we should not judge them on what we hear or see without knowing all the facts. We must never be ashamed of our cultures and pasts. Being different is what makes us one nation, not being the same.