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My American Experience
I have always been fascinated by different cultures for as long as I can recall. I have always dreamt of being part of the excitement that multiculturalism brings, something that many people find it a struggle to understand. I completed my high school in China from a humble family and my ambition drove me to the United States of America to pursue my passion. Exploring new places and people always had the best of me since I was a kid and I always dreamt of going to new and faraway places in my life. Adjusting to the American life was not easy for me at first. This is because my English gave away all the confidence in speaking with the other students. However, the university community has offered an enabling environment where I am able to learn and explore new cultures. This paper will shed some light on my personal cultural experience in this multiracial American society.
The American culture was however very different from Chinese cultures and values. One of the most notable practices that got my attention was the American culture at the restaurants. Back in China when a group of people is settled on the same table at the restaurant, it is always typical for one person to cover the bill for everyone on the table. This cultural value is highly regarded by the Chinese society, as a priced virtue. However the American culture was totally different as I came to find out one day when I was sharing my table with a group of American students. Naturally, I expected one person either one of them or me to clear the bill, but I was shocked when everybody paid his or her own bill. When I inquired why they would do something like that I was shocked to learn that it is part of the American culture that I would slowly learn to practice.
In addition the American culture usually encourages tipping of waiters who serve in restaurants or clubs. I was really perturbed at first wondering whether it was a form of bribery to get good services or exactly what that meant. This is particularly so because back in China, there is nothing like tipping waiters in restaurants or clubs. Since this was a learning experience for me, I had to ask from the American students who explained to me that it was a gesture of gratitude or appreciation. This was a common practice in the American culture and I honestly found it fascinating and a good value to borrow from them. My understanding was that it was a sign of respect for somebody’s job irrespective of its nature. There are very many hardworking individuals who work hard to sustain their families or find money to cater for their college fees and so tipping them, is only a good virtue that illustrates appreciation.
One of the most significant American cultures in my life was the food and eating culture. Back in China there are wide varieties of foods that are usually traditional foods that have been passed down from many generations. In addition, those foods are eaten in a certain manner using particular eating tools. However the American culture promotes the idea of fast foods in which there are so many types and most of these foods seemed new to me.
I am still struggling with this eating habit that I find a bit unhealthy because of the consequences of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes or obesity. This can very well explain the reasons why such lifestyle diseases are on the rise, particularly in the American society. However, I have come to learn why many people prefer this eating culture. Many students are among the working population and often are too busy to find time to have their meals from restaurants. There are some students who have more than two jobs and still have to attend classes that make it inevitable from this eating habit.
However, I have to point out that America is a diverse country that is rich in cultural experiences from around the world. The American society is quite helpful and understanding towards the international students. The American parents encourage their children to be self reliant the minute they start college. I have witnessed and interacted with many students who struggle with more than two jobs and still attend their classes so as to pay their tuition or meet their personal needs. Consequently, I have witnessed many American students buy their own personal belongings such as a first car, with their own hard earned money. This really inspired me to be independent and as a result, I managed to buy my own car.
The American experience has been a fulfilling experience in my life as it is very different from life back in China. There are diverse cultures to learn from everyday and we are like one small global community here at school. For this reason, I believe that the cultural experience that I have learnt and still continue to learn will push me further in understanding the global community as a whole. This will be great for my ambitions in fulfilling my passion in life from a global perspective.
In general reflection, the choice of topic for this narrative on values gave me the a lesson about the importance of intercultural diversity. The American experience provided a chance to brainstorm about my interactions in America and learn from the past and present observations. The exercise also gave me the chance to practice my narrative skills and to tell more about my culture and me. I was able to see how my culture influences my perception about other cultures and so influence my interactions. This is particularly significant when it comes to understanding my visual designs as well as collaboration with other people. The narration on the intercultural experience opened me to a better understanding of my culture, and helped me to appreciate the cultural practices of other people in my new environment.