Congratulations! You have been accepted into a US college! Now how do you feel? Excited? Scared? Nervous? You should be. This freshman year is going to be one of the longest, weirdest, and most emotional years of your life. Seatbelt on yet? Good. You will need it.
"Hi, everyone. My name is X and I am from Trinidad and Tobago"
The moment you open your mouth you will witness a most curious occurrence. Everyone freezes. A shared whisper, then the puzzled expressions morph into relieved acknowledgement that one is not alone in one's ignorance. Then someone, the bold one in the class, the one who later goes on to wreck the grade curve for everyone, pipes in:
"I'm sorry. We don't understand a word you just said. But your accent sounds so beautiful!"
You may be speaking "perfect English" but they do not hear words. They hear music. So, if you actually have something significant to say, you may want to make your voice as flat and nasal as possible. I am afraid that is what most people here understand.
This will be the first among several 'challenges' that should be brought to your attention as you head off to college. You may already know all the practical stuff like efficient studying skills, nine-hour rests, time management, and other myths.
However, I want to share with you a few quirky details you should prepare for (or run from) in order to better enjoy - erm, succeed at your undergraduate experience.
* Ignorant questions about your country.
In a world where knowledge is so accessible in the form of Sporcle.com, it is still impossible to know every country there out there, much less be aware of the rich culture and experiences of the people. So just calm down and be grateful that they at least know that Trinidad is not Jamaica's poorly developed sister island.
*The hundreds of other freshmen who charged onto your friend list this summer.
Yes, it will be annoying when someone claims to know you and upon further clarification exclaims, "We're 'Facebook' friends!" Now, as tempting as it may be to hit that 'delete', DON'T DO IT! You will need those connections, at least for that first year when friendships are made, adjusted, and then eventually discarded altogether. I know that John/Katherine is not nearly as cute as they appeared in that suspiciously solo profile picture, but it is amazing what a great pal you may find in J/K over the year. So water that friendship and let it grow!
*The cold.
It's there. It's not going anywhere for at least another five months. Deal with it.
*Eradication of words like 'ent'.
I admit, I was a bit sorry to let this lifelong friend go. Some local words just get your point across so much better than the Queen's pretty English. Unfortunately, you will need to adjust to the awkward 'But isn't it that you did not go to class?' phrasing. It is a small concession to make.
*Long distance relationships.
*Forming a diverse group of friends.
Please avoid spending all your time with only a small select group of people. There is enough time to do that sophomore year (around the same time you clean up that 'friend list'). Branch out! There is such an eclectic mix of people in every class year and you should not hide behind familiar people or people who are exactly like you.
Use the opportunity to learn about new places, to be introduced to new stuff (no hope in dope) and to expand your way of thinking. Attend weird workshops and learn something new about life. I recently went for the free pizza workshop at the Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender (LGBT) and left with an 8x11 pledge of support to the gay community. Of course, I lost it but I kept with me a newfound awareness of lifestyles so foreign to my local upbringing.
*The free stuff.
Trust me you do not want to miss out on this baby. In those first few weeks, they will force on you all this free merchandise and free once in a lifetime events. Do not resist for it comes to an abrupt stop in November.
*Family, friends, and (your) God.
You will need them most during this time so download Skype as soon as possible. There is nothing like family and religion to keep you grounded so stay in contact with the home base frequently. Things can get hectic and the 'fast life' can keep you happily distracted but make the time to attend mass or a small spiritual gathering, or simply to stay in contact with your spiritual side.
Oh and a warning to my fellow Catholics: Americans do not hold hands during the 'Our Father'. Yes, it is weird and I am sure He fumes every time He sees it too but, like everything else, you will get used to it. Eventually. Good luck!
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