Roller Coaster

            I was nineteen years old when I made the decision to make a radical change in my life. It was 2020, and COVID-19 was the only thing I heard in the news. My father lost his job, and my family had gone through a really hard time. They did not have money to pay for my university, and I could not find a job because of the situation Colombia and the world was facing. One day I was watching a YouTube video when I saw an ad about how to be an au pair in the United States. I felt that it was a sign for me. Four months later, I came to Chicago as an au pair to start a new chapter of my life. My host father picked me up at the airport. When we arrived at their house, my host father gave me pepper spray. Then he explained how to use it, but in a really funny way. I did not understand well because my English was really bad, so I was confused and a little scared. In that moment, I realized that my life in Chicago would be like a roller coaster, with a lot of things to learn and complicated moments to confront.

           The first months in Chicago were the most difficult for me. It was difficult for me to understand that the Americans I met were independent people. I am not referring to living alone or paying their own bills. Independent people in the sense that each person is focused on his or her own life. In my country, Colombia, people tend to be more in solidarity with the people around them, even strangers. For example, the first time I took the bus in Chicago, I could not pay because there was a mistake with my Ventra card. The driver did not help me or explain what happened. I asked him but he just said What? I do not understand your accent, wait for the other bus. I told him that it was my first time using the bus, and he told me to read the instructions that were there. Everyone on the bus heard, but no one helped me. If that situation had happened me in my country, someone on the bus would pay the ticket for me or explain to me how to do it. I have had more situations like that one since I moved to Chicago.

            With the passing of the days, I was feeling more comfortable and happier to have the opportunity to experience a new culture. The first time I spent Thanksgiving with my host family, it was really special for me. My host family included me in their family like a daughter, so on Thanksgiving their family saved a chair in the table for me with my name. Then, they took the time to explain what Thanksgiving means and how they celebrate it. I really had a great time, the food was delicious, and I tried new recipes. After dinner, my host mom’s grandmother called me to the kitchen. She showed me that she made arepas for dessert because she wanted to integrate my culture in their holiday. I felt so happy and grateful that she did that for me. 

            Experimenting another culture is not easy, but the cultural differences make every country unique and special. I have had hard moments in Chicago understanding the cultural differences, but now I am enjoying the opportunity to learn about other cultures. One of my favorite things about Chicago is the variety of cultures. Every day I learn about other cultures, I have friends from different countries, and I tried food from other cultures. My life in Chicago still feels like a roller coaster, but now I enjoy and appreciate it.