NAME: ANDREA FHAYE B. GINES ECON 3207 SECTION: BSAC 2-2 ASSIGNMENT 2 Adapting to a new culture has never been easy for me but it was fun, and I would like to share some of my experiences. I grow up in a barrio which is one hour and a half drive from Cabanatuan City. When I am in my Senior High School, I decided to study in the city. We all know that Cabanatuan City is very different from a barrio, and I need to move and stay there for 5 days in a week for 2 years because of my study and since it was my first time living in an apartment alone, it was hard for me. Not only because I am by myself but also because the environment was different from where I grew up. Although the difference is not that big, it was still a challenge for a young student like me. The streets were filled with different vehicles that’s why I am afraid to cross it. The price of the groceries was a bit higher that’s why I need to budget my allowances. Aside from that, people were more liberated. I remember one time, when we were waiting for our instructor to arrive, I was listening to my classmates who were just casually talking about alcohols, boyfriends, and their first kiss. I was totally shocked because they were talking about those things which is not yet in my mind that time. It was foreign and it never cross my mind, but to them, it is a familiar scene. That’s when I realize their norms was different from mine. So, in order to keep up with them, I tried to adjust. Adjusting with my new environment requires a lot of things. I must learn every detail and avoid making assumptions. I tried to be openminded because I realize that our norms might be different. I need to understand our differences in order to create a bond without offending them. I also tried to create a positive relationship with the people that surrounds me and make room for mistake. Additionally, I did not pressure myself to adapt quickly because I learned that, adapting to a new culture need not to be rushed. It is a long process, but you just need to create your own pace. By being open minded, having a strong will, and a positive attitude, it did not take me long before I became one of them.
