Chronicles of an Immigrant: I Am a Work in Progress!

 

This is not my first time moving from my home country to another land. But this time, it’s different.

I have to remind myself that there’s so much at stake. I am no longer the starry-eyed young woman who left family and everything familiar years ago to chart a course for her life. Back then, I wasn’t afraid—I had no real commitments, except for a relationship that was alive today and dead tomorrow.

Now, I am responsible for three human beings. Hey God. Two of them have their futures tied to the choices I make, whether good or bad. If this isn’t the real definition of “God abeg,” then I don’t know what is.

The Language Barrier: English, but Make It Confusing

One of the biggest hurdles for immigrants is communication. And I’m not just talking about learning a new language—because, as a proud English speaker who scored a 9 in IELTS, I thought I had this covered. But here I am, struggling with accents, slang, and professional jargon.

The first time someone said, "You bet!" instead of "yes," I stood there confused. What are we betting on, please? Just say yes or no—don’t confuse my ancestors!

And then there was the day someone asked me to get them pop. I froze. Pop? Soda, I know. But pop? Emi o tun gbo pop ri o (I have never heard pop before). It took me a full minute to realize they meant a soft drink. The little things that make you question everything!

Employment Struggles: No Uche Face Here

Finding a job as an immigrant is another battle entirely. Many employers demand local experience or qualifications, making it tough to break into one’s field. So what happens? Bills no dey look Uche face—you take what you can get.

So many highly skilled immigrants are forced into lower-paying jobs outside their expertise just to survive. Imagine someone with a Master’s degree working as a cashier or an engineer driving Uber—not because they aren’t capable but because the system makes it difficult to start fresh. It’s humbling, frustrating, and sometimes, soul-crushing.

Parenting in a Foreign Culture: Bridging the Gap

If finding work is hard, raising children in a foreign culture is another challenge entirely. Kids adapt so quickly—sometimes too quickly. Before you know it, they’re speaking with an accent, questioning traditions, and struggling to connect with their parents’ cultural values.

This cultural gap can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. You want to raise them with the same values you grew up with, but they’re growing up in a completely different world. Striking that balance is one of the hardest parts of this journey.

The Emotional Toll: The Loneliness No One Talks About

The mental and emotional burden of immigration is something many don’t talk about. The stress of adjusting, financial worries, and social isolation can lead to anxiety and depression. Yet, many immigrants hesitate to seek help—sometimes due to stigma, sometimes because they simply don’t know where to turn.

Without a strong support system, loneliness becomes a silent struggle. You smile, you push forward, but deep down, there are days when you feel like a stranger in both your old world and your new one.

Still, We Rise

Despite these struggles, immigrants are among the most hardworking, resilient, and resourceful people you’ll ever meet. We build communities, contribute to economies, and bring diversity and richness to societies.

Support networks, mentorship programs, and inclusive policies can make a world of difference in helping immigrants’ transition and thrive. But beyond all of that, what truly makes a difference is understanding and empathy.

The immigrant journey is not easy, but it is a testament to courage and determination. Every challenge we face is a step toward building a better future—not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.

Because in the end, home is not just where we come from. Home is where we are accepted. 

This is HOME.

I will write again.

With Love,

S.