Personal Narrative: A Personal Essay

Words: 501
Pages: 3

Plav, Montenegro is a small, poor village in Europe. It is the place where my parents were born and raised. Even though I was born in Brooklyn, New York, I feel I was raised in Plav, Montenegro, too. Growing up in America, where the culture and traditions are so different from that of Montenegro, I was faced with the obstacle of trying to become part of mainstream America while maintaining my own culture. Entering kindergarten, I knew absolutely no English. I spoke Serbian with my parents, siblings, and grandma and had no one to teach me English. I remember being a part of the ESL class. While all the other kids laughed and talked among themselves, I was trying to comprehend what my teacher was saying to me. At home, while I needed to practice English, I was told to speak Serbian.
All I longed for as a child was to fit in with my peers; to conform, to be like them. Yet, I struggled to feel acceptance in my own “hometown.” During lunch at school, while everyone had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I had a Bulgarian cheese sandwich. I did not understand how those birthday invitations worked! I struggled to do my homework without being able to read directions. It was difficult to know who I could trust, so I rarely asked for help.
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I was essentially living a dual life: I neither wanted to be left out and isolated at school, nor did I want to ignore my family and native culture. Because my parents were facing the same challenge, they could offer me no help. I had to solve this dilemma on my own. I overcame this obstacle by calling up what I considered my inner resources. My well- roundedness, versatility, and confidence were all vital in helping me become the person I am today. I have found a harmonious balance in which I can be both an American and