Entry Nine: "Two Ways to Belong in America"

Reflecting on the reading, "Two Ways to Belong in America" and how the two sisters took two different approaches to adapting to their new life in America. After reading and thinking about my own life and my own values and beliefs, I would have to say that if I were to permanently move to a new country, I would find myself somewhere in the middle of whether or not I was supposed to conform to the identity of that culture or carry on with the identity that has been created for me here in America. I think at first, it would be difficult to dive into that new culture just because it would be new and scary and completely different. However, after spending significant time in that country, I think it would be important for me to adapt to the customs of their culture and try and integrate myself into the working community. I think that if I were to want to be successful in that new country, adapting to their ways would be almost a necessity and if I wanted to live their long term, I would possibly consider citizenship of that nation in order for me to have a more permanent sense of belonging. I do think it is important to remember where you came from, and for the most part my values and beliefs that have been instilled in me as an American would remain the core of my value system.