Chukwudumebi Olivia O. This is not an average American name, but it is mine, unique and symbolic to my culture. Chukwudumebi may be a mouthful to some, but in Nigerian culture, it is not uncommon. My name has great spiritual meaning in the Igbo language; it translates as “the Lord abides with me.” When looking at my full name, unpronounceable to most, people just recognize my middle name, Olivia. My parents wanted my name to be a balance between African and American cultures, hence my middle name. 

Being an African immigrant in the United States often feels as though I live in a separate country from those who are born in America. The struggle of overcoming society’s stereotypes about immigrants, along with the constant effort to stay true to my cultural identity, is a constant challenge. The “melting pot of culture” that we refer to as today’s American society may be diverse, but our traditional heritage is the thing melting away.

Being immersed into a new culture can sometimes feel like diving head first into a ring of fire or constantly being in a state of limbo. At first, I was surprised by the many attractions and wonders this country held. In the eyes of my seven-year-old self, the buildings were “ginormous” and gleamed with bright lights. The people walking the streets looked very different from those who strolled the streets of Lagos. One of the biggest challenges of immigrating to a new country was adjusting to my new-found surroundings and faces. 

I remember a moment during my first month in second grade at an American public school; it was my first time riding the bus. Throughout the ride, I kept trying to remember what my neighborhood looked like. I would visualize a slender brick apartment complex, but as I looked down the street, all the buildings looked the same. I ended up getting off at the wrong stop and following another girl home. Since I didn’t know my phone number and address, the school’s principal had to pick me up and drive me home. My seven-year-old self-was not used to the structure of these American buildings and houses. In Nigeria, the houses had immensely different architecture, and the streets were less complex. It definitely took time to adjust to my new surroundings.

Immigrating to the United States also influenced how I spoke to others. In Nigeria, everyone speaks in a different dialect; it took me a while to perfect my American accent, but I still tend to slip into my Nigerian dialect when speaking to my parents. Just because I live in a different country doesn’t mean I don’t stay connected to my roots. When I do slip into my Nigerian accent, it reminds me of my culture and how it remains a part of me. It is very important for me to stay true to my Nigerian roots while using the lessons I have learned as a second-generation immigrant. Trying not to get boxed into cultural stereotypes while staying true to my cultural identity is essential to me. I want to preserve my culture; I think it’s especially important for the future of our society.

Today, many believe immigrants to be economic and political burdens. We can’t turn on the TV without hearing a story about a problem in immigration. The government often sheds a negative light on immigrants and discourages them from feeling welcome in this country, supposedly the “land of the free.” Politicians fear that their “American culture” will be wiped away due to the number of immigrants coming to and living in this country. However, how is American culture defined? America was created by the original immigrants – people who entered this country looking for a new start. Although early immigrants took part in the building of America’s foundation, immigrants are often placed lower on the totem pole than those who are considered “American born.” Immigrants are often faced with common stereotypes, such as the notion that immigrants are taking jobs from U.S. citizens or that undocumented immigrants don’t pay taxes, thus putting a burden on the national economy. These common misconceptions are what box in and constrain them from fully enjoying and taking part in what this country has to offer. Immigrants have added pressure to excel in life, especially with the cards stacked against them. 

My 10 years of living in this country have taught me several life lessons about staying true to my roots. Compared to America, Nigerian culture is stricter, and parents’ expectations are more rigorous. My parents instilled in me the importance of staying true to myself and remembering where I came from. Now, I feel well-adjusted to American culture and when I think back, I see a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed girl ready to embrace a new culture. I am so grateful for these experiences and how they have shaped my perspective and viewpoint on the world today. Our future is somewhat of an enigma; however, the experiences we form in adolescence are what influences us well into our adulthood.