10 Things that remind me I am an Immigrant

Over the last 21 years, I have had many experiences as an immigrant in Germany and the US. I recently talked with someone who had immigrated to the US, and we shared our common experiences. It is amazing to see how many things we have in common because we have lived in a different country than the ones we were born in.
 
In this blog post, I will share the ten things that are part of my life as an Immigrant and how I handle them. Check out my other Her Relocation blog posts about my experiences living in Nigeria, Germany, and the US.
 
Being affected by unrest in the world
With everything going on around the world, my heart goes out to people who are affected in the regions and those in the diaspora who are watching from afar. With every news story about bad things happening, it feels very personal. I know how it feels to worry about peace in the world and the impact on people you know.
 
How do I handle it?

• I remind myself to continue having hope for a more peaceful world

 
Missing key family milestones
Our family recently grew by one member, and I could not be there in person. Recently, I recalled how many family celebrations I have had to watch from afar. I have gotten used to being too far away to celebrate key milestones with my extended family.
 
How do I handle it?

• Virtual communication tools have helped us stay connected through life events

 
Not understanding the jokes and references
Whenever someone uses a cultural or historical reference that I do not understand, I am reminded that I am an immigrant. There are many things that people ask me about Nigeria, Germany, or the US that I do not know. Every day, someone mentions something about the country I am in that is new to me.
 
How do I handle it?

• I am honest about things that I do not know, accept them, stay curious and learn new things

 
Missing some of your favorite food
If you read my blogs, you know how much I miss German bread. Someone talked about bread at a gathering that I was visiting lately, and I was already excited about eating great bread. When I moved to Germany, I still remember that I did not know where to find ingredients to make Nigerian food. We have definitely come a long way with the availability of food items from different countries.
 
How do I handle it?

• I go out of my way to find food that connects me to my home countries

 
Getting a visa and other immigration documents
Sitting in the offices of the immigration officers who get to decide if you can stay in a country, is a very humbling experience. No matter how many times you have been in that situation, there is always a small thought in your mind wondering if this is the time you get denied a stay in a country and would have to leave.
 
How do I handle it?

• I always have my immigration papers in order and educate myself on the rules

 
Being asked where you are from
Interestingly the question I get asked the most is, "where are you from." I have gotten very used to the question and know how to distinguish the intent behind the question. Most of the time, people are curious because they hear a different accent when I talk, and other times people want to make me feel like I don't belong. Fortunately, I have received more of the questions asked with positive intent.
 
How do I handle it?

• I enjoy sharing my story with people who are truly curious and interested

 
Disconnecting from your social network
Every time I talk to someone who grew up on the same city or country that they currently live in, I wonder what it is like. I have lived in 3 countries and many different cities, which has made me lose touch with the people I spent some time with. Social media has helped me keep in touch with some people I grew up with, but the connection is certainly not the same.
 
How do I handle it?

• I stay in contact with my small circle of friends

 
Having to create a new home often
One of the advantages of being an immigrant and living in different places is that you develop the skills to create a home where you find yourself. Over the years, I have learned not to be attached to a physical location and to find happiness wherever I am. When I moved to the US, I was able to leverage the lessons I learned living in Germany. And now, I have built home my own little family.
 
How do I handle it?

• I strive to make myself comfortable where I am at all times

 
Not having some privileges or access to resources
When I was studying in Germany, I wished that I had access to other students' financial resources. It would have made my life much easier. There is a long list of other privileges that Immigrants do not know about or have access to.
 
How do I handle it?

• I have learned to accept that there are things I do not have access to

 
Understanding the experiences of other Immigrants
There is something very powerful about being different and having experienced being the "only" or a minority. It makes you more sensitive to the experiences of others whose lives are different from majority groups. Honestly, being an immigrant has made me kinder and more respectful of people.
 
How do I handle it?

• I am curious to learn more about others

 
Final Thoughts
My experiences as an immigrant have made me a better human. I am very grateful to everyone on my journey that has been my companion. I am living the amazing life that I want to be living.