Dear Johnie,
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Welcome…
You made it out. You are finally here, trying to build a new life for you and your family. It was probably one of the most difficult things you have done yet. You saw what lay around you, decided you wanted better, and worked hard to ensure it happened. Well done, and kudos. E no easy.
Moving to a new country, especially Yankee, is exciting but can also be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time. Even if you have been before to visit, living here is very different from visiting. I can tell you this from my personal experience as a Johnie myself. If you are a JJC (Johnie/Johnny/Johny Just Come) in America, welcome! You are about to embark on a journey that will change your life and the life of your family, current and future.
First things first, you will experience culture shock. This is a given…and it is okay. Everybody experiences this; you are not alone. You may have a false sense of security because you believe you have a sense of what America is like from watching the movies, the news, reading magazines, etc… Perhaps, you have been to America to visit in the past, so you have a better sense of what it is like to be in the country physically, leading you to believe that it is cannot be that much different. Well, I promise you, living in America is VERY different from visiting America and getting to know America through the media. Again, this is OK…everyone experiences culture shock. You are not abnormal. It happened to me and all the other immigrants I have spoken with.
The customs, norms, food, mannerisms, and even language may differ. Suddenly, you find yourself in an environment where people may not understand your jokes, your slang, your mannerisms, your love language (side eye to Nigerians…insults as a form of a love language is real sketch), etc. If you are coming from an English-speaking country, consider yourself lucky. Some people have to learn English when they move, so understanding the language is a big plus! It still will not protect you from people who may have trouble understanding your English because your accent is different from theirs.
You feel out of place and sometimes may wonder if you will ever find your own place and if you will ever fit in. BUT… this is the beauty of America…Land of the Free, Home of the Brave…It is diverse and attracts people from all over the world…people just like you, risk-takers who have come to hustle, come to build a new life for themselves and their families. You’ll find people from all over the world, each with their own background, beliefs, and traditions. This diversity is one of the things that makes this place so special. You do not have to fit in. You can belong. This is one of the reasons this country is so special. In America, with an open mind, resilience, and a willingness to adapt, you will find your place, your own home.
Second, America is the land of opportunity. There is a reason why people leave the familiarity and comfort of their homes and move here to start a new life. With tenacity, resilience, and some scrappiness, you can build the life you want in this country. Whether you’re here to study, work, or start a new business, there are countless resources available to help you achieve your goals. America is a place where your dreams can come true. To borrow words from the popular Broadway play Hamilton…in America, you can be a new (wo)man.
As you navigate your way through this new chapter in your life, remember that there’s no right or wrong way to do things. It’s okay to ask for help, and it’s okay to make mistakes. The most important thing is to STAY TRUE to yourself, EMBRACE new experiences, and ENJOY everything that America has to offer. In the pages of this blog, you will find tips, insights, and stories to help you on your way as you build your new life here in America. So, stay tuned, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. I am happy you are here, and I am rooting for you. Welcome to America!
Your internet best friend,
Johnie