A Grown Man

When I first arrived in Chicago, I quicky realized that even simple habits from my home country, like raising my hand to stop the bus, didn’t fit in here. Small actions that felt normal to me suddenly made me stand out, and I often didn’t understand why. This difference in cultural expectations made communicating with others confusing, especially when everyone seemed to interact in their own way, both in person and through the internet. Many habits that I used to have in my country have changed because I’m now in a different environment. As a result, living in Chicago, I have struggled to adjust the way I communicate with others, and at the same time, becoming independent has changed my way of thinking.

Living in Chicago made me understand that the belief I brought from Peru that speaking to everyone would bring me more opportunities was not true at all. I am from Lima, the capital of Peru, where people talk to everyone because many people already know each other. Some people think the more people a person talks to, the better they are perceived by others. What people talk about is not important. The main point is simply to meet new people in order to make more contacts or gain recognition. In short, Lima residents tend to be very talkative. Because I grew up there, I brought the same habit to Chicago, but I soon realized that this habit is not as common here. Once I arrived, I noticed that people come from different places, not just from Chicago. I realized that not everyone shares the same culture or habits. For example, at the airport I tried to talk to some of the passengers, but I felt that some of them judged me because I seemed weird for trying to start a conversation. Everyone there seemed rushed or busy. Moreover, after talking with my parents I understood that I needed to adjust my mindset and recognize that I’m not in Lima, I’m in Chicago, a different place with people from all over the world. Going from being the guy who talked to everyone to someone who is quieter and thinks twice before speaking has actually improved my social skills. Therefore, my interactions are now clearer and more respectful of other perspectives.

Living alone in Chicago has changed me now that I don’t live with my parents anymore. Three or four years ago, when I was living in Lima with much less stress, I didn’t fully understand adult responsibilities. Paying rent, bills, and many other responsibilities makes me understand that money doesn’t grow on trees. When I was a kid, I used to see my father’s credit card as a card with no limits. Now, being responsible and independent in my own decisions, I understand the value of even small things. As a kid, I sometimes thought I deserved everything I wanted, like a big house or the best food. Now, living alone, I call my parents every day just to thank them for every single breakfast, for every single day that they gave me a place to live. Maybe I didn’t have the best things, but they gave me their best effort. 

 In conclusion, after living in Chicago for three years, I see myself as a grown man with a different mentality and behavior. I recognize that I have changed, and I now carry better ideas and perspectives about responsibility and the way I treat others. I realize how living in Chicago has changed and improved many aspects of my life, and I’m sure that I’m not the only one. In short, after so many experiences, I noticed how my identity has changed, and I see how Chicago has been one of the main factors.