Language
My first language is Spanish, and learning English has definitely been one of the best decisions I’ve made. I built a solid foundation for the language in school, and over the years, with some practice, I was able to communicate in English. However, everything felt very different when I arrived in the U.S., where the only way to express myself was through my second language. This forced me out of my comfort zone and pushed me to work harder than I ever did in Colombia.
I won’t deny that there have been days when I feel like my English doesn’t come out as it should or when I get overwhelmed by not pronouncing words correctly. But in the end, this shouldn’t make us feel bad or inadequate. Part of learning something new involves going through uncomfortable moments. Moreover, when something feels more challenging than usual, it’s often a sign that you’re on the right path.
So, there’s no need to feel ashamed of your accent or for not knowing exactly how to say what you want. The very fact that we’re here is enough to remind ourselves that we’re putting in the effort, and success doesn’t come without a few small failures.
Starting Over in Another Country
The first time I came to the U.S., I didn’t know what to expect. I couldn’t even imagine what the streets, buildings, or people would look like. My mind was completely blank. Personally, this didn’t make me feel scared or overwhelmed; instead, I was excited to head toward the unknown. And sure enough, as time went on, I found myself feeling more and more in the right place.
The friendships I’ve made, the stunning landscapes I’ve discovered, new hobbies, and things I’ve learned to enjoy have made this experience unforgettable. But life isn’t all sunshine and rainbows. When I arrived, I encountered a culture entirely different from my own, with different ways of thinking and doing things. It wasn’t a negative shock, but I did have to adapt and learn to integrate myself into this lifestyle and its people.
I’m not saying we should abandon our own customs, but we do need to understand that every country has its way of being, and as foreigners, we should adapt to and respect that.
On top of that, my biggest challenge has been being far from home. There’s always a point when you miss your house, your country, your family, the food, and even the little things you didn’t like about your city. My way of coping with those feelings is to remind myself that, while I do miss those things, I’m very happy and at peace with this experience right now. I remind myself that life is also about making the most of the opportunities that come our way, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.
Meeting the Company’s Expectations
From a professional standpoint, I consider myself a very serious and responsible worker. I like doing things well, and I might even say I’m a bit obsessive about the small details to ensure tasks turn out right. Now imagine all of this, but in a new office, with people from a different culture, and in a completely different country.
There were days when I was afraid I wouldn’t meet the expectations of my role or that I’d make a mistake simply because I didn’t know how things were done in this country. However, as time went on, I realized I needed to trust more in my abilities and skills. If this company chose you, it’s because they saw something in you. They also understand that you’re from another country and that one of your goals is to learn how things work here.
In the end, I think the most important thing is to show that you’re willing to do things right, to accept corrections if necessary, and to challenge yourself when you’re assigned tasks you’ve never done before. If they gave you the task, it’s because they believe you can do it.
Additionally, I work in an office where my team is always willing to help and explain things when I don’t understand or am unfamiliar with something. So, don’t be afraid to face a new company, new projects, and processes. No one is born knowing everything, and we’re here to learn.
