I’m going to tell you a story…one that occurred in a very unlikely place that will be stuck with me forever.
My best friend and I were at the beach. I can’t remember if it was spring break, or if we met up in the summer. I can’t remember if it was Oak Island, Myrtle Beach, or some other beach on the east coast. What I do remember from that trip, is having a conversation with a shop owner that changed my life. My friend and I walked into the store with the intention of buying a couple of souvenirs for family and friends back home; what we left with was so much more.
It happened when we were looking at the key chain rack — the key chains with the names on them. Of course, I couldn’t find my name {because you best believe when I do find it, I’m buying all those key chains!}. The store owner approached us, as we were the only two in the store at the time, and struck up a conversation.
I’ll admit it; at first I was slightly annoyed. I’m a shy, introverted individual so when people expect me to make small talk, sometimes it gives me anxiety. But as she continued to talk, I began to feel intrigued by her. She started asking us where we were from {a question that baffles me — see Where Are You From?}, what we were doing down there, and other related questions.
As we continued talking, she soon found out that my family is from Haiti. She stated, ‘Oh, you must be so proud of your parents. Coming all the way over here from another country. Learning a completely different language, and thriving in the United States.” She continued, “You know a lot of people look down on immigrants, especially those with accents. What they fail to see is, the endless work and dedication, the never-ending determination and perseverance these individuals have. Not only have they reached the level of those around them, but they did so in a completely foreign country; they did so not knowing any of the native language; they did so despite the others that kept pushing them down and telling them they wouldn’t amount to anything.”
I was blown away. This little lady, who was an immigrant herself, taking the time to open my mind and my heart; forcing me to change my perspective on the matter; addressing problems that I had within myself that she could not have possibly known. She had an accent too. So why was I so bothered by my parents’ accents? The story behind an accent is unique to each speaker, but each story has a similar characteristic: they put in effort to learn the language and they’ve sacrificed more than anyone could ever know.
Life lessons will catch you at moments you would never expect. They don’t announce themselves, or come with a tag. We have to be willing and open to receive them– wherever, whenever. I’m so happy we decided to stop at that specific store. I’m so happy the owner decided to engage in conversation with us. I’m so happy we were interested in what she had to say. Because of her, instead of thinking ‘if only you didn’t have an accent’, I now think ‘I’m so proud of how far you’ve come, despite people judging you for your accent.’
Have you ever learned a life lesson in a place that you definitely weren’t expecting to? Where did it happen, and what was the lesson? Let me know in the comments!
I agree to that?
Thanks for reading 🙂
Fascinating! I don’t know too many people from Haiti, only one couple, but I rarely see them. Two my closest friends are immigrants. It takes a lot of effort to learn an new language.
It truly does, and I didn’t realize that when I was younger. Now, I can fully appreciate just how much my parents and other immigrants have been through, just in terms of the language aspect.
This is such a lovely story, the struggles some people fight, just to get freedom or a better life inspired me everyday. Great post
Thank you! I’m so happy I now have a better understanding of what my parents have achieved, despite everything they’ve been through!
Wow, that was such a neat experience!! I have a friend from the Philippines and learning her culture has really enriched my life.
I’m always so interested to learn about other people’s cultures and traditions. I definitely agree with you; it’s so enriching!
Such a lovely story. You should be proud of your family heritage! My parents moved to London in their twenties and have accomplished so much and I’m forever grateful to them for everything.
Amanda | https://ldnrose.com
Thank you! And yes, I am proud of both of parents and my heritage. At a young age though, it’s easy to fall into the trap of “why aren’t my parents like everyone else’s”. As I’ve grown up, I realize just how blessed I am to have parents who are willing to sacrifice so much for their family!
What a lovely thing for the lady to say to you. I think it’s so interesting learning about lives of people who have come from other places and cultures.
I’m so happy she decided to have that conversation with us that day. It’s stuck with me ever since, and I know I won’t forget it for as long as I live!
Your post is very thoughtful. I agree that we can learn something new and important at the most unexpected places. Thanks for sharing.
XOXO //SINCERELY OPHELIA | NYC Petite Fashion Blogger
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. I’ve learned instead of freaking out every time, you just have to learn to be flexible. Thanks for reading!
Great story. We should be proud of who we are and where we have come from. 😉
Thank you! And I agree…it just took me some time to get to that point!