The Arrival- Olumide Akinwande
March 12th marks the date of the start of a new journey in a foreign country. Having an early flight, I had an opportunity to be exposed to this new country before most of the students in this study abroad program. Immediately upon landing, I experienced several emotions as I touched ground in the capital of Nicaragua.
Excitement
Anxiety
Optimistic
Hopeful
Elated
Frantic
Inquisitive
Lost
In the midst of my emotions, culture-shock hit me like a ton of bricks. Everything was in Spanish. EVERYTHING.
From the language being initially spoken to the signs on the walls of the airport, Spanish was the primary language used. Funny enough, this situation also added to my unstable emotional state. However as I proceeded to navigate through the airport, a person who offered assistance in English eased my tension and directed me towards my destination, Camino Real. In the cab, this scenario and my feelings caused by it continuously replayed in my mind. After further contemplation of my experience I gained vital insights that will last me for the rest of my life.
They are as follows:
- Language is vital for inclusion
- Humans are heavily dependent on language.
- My dependence on language shapes my view of self and how I interact with the world around me.
- My dependence on language influences my confidence in my interaction with the world around me.
- I need to learn Spanish.... jk (laughing out loud)
This experience help place my feet in the shoes of an everyday foreigner who does not speak English in the United States. I am able to now see life from a different perspective and view the difficulties that are present with foreigners in a country that does not speak their only language. I expect the rest of my trip to provide even more paradigm shifting experiences that will not only help me become a global business person, but even a better person.
to be continued....
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