At a young age I started to feel as if I was standing with one foot on both sides of a cultural line. I was both too Chinese and too American to personally feel that I held claim to either. Some days this played to my advantage. I could switch languages on whim to talk…
Pre-departure to Athens, Greece!
The food culture in the United States is a relative piece of life. It is very common to eat quick meals, especially at fast-food and drive-thru restaurants. Being a society that moves at a very fast pace and has a large emphasis on success can often push meals aside as an afterthought. Because there are…
Pre-Departure Blog: UK Lancaster University
One aspect of US culture that I have grown very accustomed to while living here is a slow based lifestyle. One example of this includes people showing up late to events they were invited to. I personally enjoy to arrive to events on time or even early if possible, but this is an aspect of…
Pre-Departure Blog: Portugal!
Consumerism is a key part of the American culture. It drives the mindset of many in the U.S., leading them to buy and own more than what is required for them to survive. Buying new items is sometimes associated with instant gratification and can bring the buyer a fleeting happiness. Additionally, having many “nice” or…
5 Days Before Jordan
Every family in the U.S. differs in their dynamics and values, so it is hard to pinpoint a specific aspect of U.S. culture that applies to everyone. Generally, though, many families in this country value individuality and autonomy more so than those in the rest of the world, especially in regard to the freedoms that…
Pre-Departure Reflection
In the United States, national identity plays an enormous role in everyday life. This identity, backed up by the idea of patriotism, is a very big factor for Americans when it comes to encountering new cultures and ideas. Being patriotic in the United States is more than just a characteristic, its a way of life;…
Pre-departure Reflection
In the United States, there is a very large emphasis on hard work and productivity. There is a widely held notion that if one works hard enough, they will be successful. They can pull themself up by their own bootstraps. People say things like “you get what you work for” and refer to hard work in a glamorous way, as the “hustle” or the “grind.” For this reason,…
Predeparture Reflection
If there were a single word that summed up the cultural attitude of the United States, that word would be freedom. In various aspects of life, freedom is the benchmark in which policies, laws, rules, and mandates are graded upon. If a certain rule or policy impedes freedom, it is generally frowned upon while the…
Final Blog Post
I returned home from London at the end of March after spending two wonderful months in the city. Looking back at my original blog post and reflecting on my time in London I have realized how much my perception of identity has changed. Before I went to London I lacked confidence in my identity as…
Been Home for a Month
I’ve been home in St. Louis for a month and I’m bored. I miss Rome and everything it had to offer. I even miss the grueling 20 minute walk/hike up to school. I would honestly take it over just staying in bed and zooming into my classes. This has definitely been an interesting semester, I…