One of my favorite writers is Brené Brown, and her quote stands out for me in terms of the experience that I am about to share: “Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.” This quote really struck me as I look back on my move from Kuwait to the United States last year. This story is difficult for me to share because it makes me feel incredibly vulnerable, but just like I did when I moved to California, today, I am using my courage to “show up” and share this important experience with you.
What do you think of when you think of Kuwait? Do you think of war? Do you think of poverty? Do you think of opportunity? It may surprise you to know that Kuwait has a population of 4.2 million people, and it is a country located in Western Asia. My country was invaded by Iraq in 1990, and it was not Until the United States intervened that the invasion by Iraq came to a halt. You may know Kuwait as an oil mecca; we are a democratic country with the world’s sixth largest oil reserves. In terms of my world prior to moving to the United Sates, I was largely surrounded by individuals from Kuwait, Arabs, Asian expatriates, and Africans. Most of those around me identified as Sunni Muslims in terms of religion, and the language that surrounded me was Arabic. I grew up with a different form of popular culture influence than that of those who grew up in the United States; life centered around different televisions shows, arts, and sporting events. In terms of my cultural views growing up, the family was important, and it was necessary to keep the family private. Females within my culture were protected from the outside influence of society, and it was inappropriate to ask questions about another man’s wife or female relatives. In terms of our customs, women very rarely socialize in public, and we took time to greet other individuals. As for the food that I grew up eating, one of the most common dishes was machboos, which is a basmati rice dish which has spices and meat. Seafood was also common in our country, and we also ate khubz. Other common favorites of mine were Balaleet, hares, and jireesh. We also drank leben, which is fermented milk that has a yogurt texture and consistency.
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Moving to the United States, and to California in particular was the biggest decision I have ever made. I left my treasured family behind in order to pursue my education. While this experience has made me feel more responsible and more like an adult, it has come with immense challenges, sadness, and at times, regret. When I first moved here, I left my two sisters. While everyone feels close to their siblings, I felt especially close because we are triplets. My sisters are off pursuing their own careers and one is studying to be a lawyer, while the other is involved in business. My mother calls me each day, using Facetime, and she does what mothers tend to do; she asks me about the weather, and she questions whether I ate my breakfast. I miss her.
When I first moved to the United States, I experienced an immense culture shock. I was amazed by the fast-paced nature, the freedom, and the opportunity. What struck me the most was the massive amounts of people, but the feeling of being completely alone. I still feel this way sometimes, and I am not sure if it is due to my cultural differences, or if it is something that individuals in the United States experience each day. Things feel so disconnected here compared to my country.
While my physical journey took me from Kuwai to the United States, my mental journey of adjusting to this culture continues. Everyone here is so friendly, but at times I feel like I do not fit in. I hope that this feeling changes, and I also hope that I keep some of my culture with me wherever I go.
