If I had a dollar for every time I typed “what does ___ mean in America?” into Google during my first quarter…I could probably afford all my textbooks.
I’m Nigerian by birth, but I grew up in Belize—and not just in one spot. I moved around a little within the country, and if you know Belize, you know that each district or community comes with its own flavor. Different accents, different foods, different customs. It honestly feels like several mini countries packed into one. So adapting to new environments was nothing new for me.
But still when I moved to the U.S., it was like someone handed me a phone and a backpack and said, “Good luck.” That first week here had me side-eyeing life.The smallest things threw me off. And in those moments, when I didn’t want to look confused or ask someone for the fifth time what something meant, I turned to my most loyal and nonjudgmental friend: Google.
Here are a few of the many, many, many (you get the gist) things I had to look up.
Nobody explained this part at the immigration or airport when I arrived. I just knew I had to “keep” it—but… keep what, exactly? I didn’t even realize it was digital now. So there I was, searching “what is an I-94 and where do I find mine” like my immigration status depended on it (because it kind of did). Luckily for me, the International Programs explain what it is and how I can get it during Orientation, so I wasn’t clueless for long. For your knowledge, it is a record of your arrival in the U.S.
Now look—Belize uses Fahrenheit too, okay? But as a girl who grew up in the tropics, anything below the 70s felt suspicious. Our winters are barely down to the 60s. So when I saw it was 52°F here, I figured, “Oh, the weather’s going to be a little chilly.” No, it was not!. I walked outside and people were dressed like it was a snowstorm. Nothing could have prepared me for how cold it actually was!
This one sounded like gossip. Everyone kept saying “Did you do FAFSA?” “FAFSA deadline’s coming!” and I was like… who is FAFSA and why is everyone obsessed with her? Turns out it’s about financial aid. FASA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and it is a resource by the U.S. government. International students, those with a student visa, are not eligible for FAFSA or the state version WAFSA. FAFSA is definitely not a person, and definitely not something I qualify for. But now I know.
Short answer: yes. Very. Back home in Belize, tipping is optional—it’s appreciated, but not expected. Here? If you don’t tip, it’s like breaking an unspoken law. I spent way too long awkwardly standing at those little screens, trying to figure out how much is a good amount without blowing my whole food budget. 10%? 20%? Does it depend on the vibe?
After surviving the embarrassment of not tipping once, I got smart. I downloaded a tip calculator. It made my life much easier!. 18% here, 20% there—it adds up, but at least I’m no longer offending anyone over chicken tenders.
Now like I mentioned before, I’m Nigerian-Belizean—two cultures that devour an unserious amount of plantains daily. Plantains are in the banana family, but they’re much larger and it’s often eaten boiled or fried. So yes, this African-Caribbean gyal mih di crave soh propah fried plantain. Lucky for me, Winco, a grocery store near LCC came through. Crisis—and potential emotional breakdown—completely avoided.
This one made my head hurt. Longview is a city inside Cowlitz County. Longview is technically a city, but locals call it a “small town.” Then there’s the “Pacific Northwest,” which somehow includes like five states and a mountain range?? Pacific Northwest, or PNW, is a region. This region has unique culturism compared to other regions within the U.S. I just wanted directions, not a geography degree.
Wrap-up:
That first week tested me. I thought I was ready, but the U.S. had layers I didn’t see coming. I didn’t always feel like asking people for help—I didn’t want to look clueless—so I turned to Google for answers. Quietly. From my bed. At 2am.
And that’s okay.
Being new doesn’t mean being dumb. It means you’re adapting, learning, surviving. And if I had to Google it, I know I’m not the only one. So to my fellow international students: keep asking questions, keep figuring it out, and don’t let pride stop you from learning.
And if it ever feels too much? Call home. Hug your plantain. And remember—Google’s got you.
Also, remember that the LCC International Programs Office is here to support and assist you throughout your journey with Google :)