The journey to understanding my father’s challenges as an immigrant in pursuit of a university education in the United States began when I landed at the Edinburgh International Airport in 2006. As a first-generation child of Salvadoran immigrants, I was clearly aware of the cultural differences between my family and other cultures. Small things such as eating pupusas and turkey sandwiches for Christmas dinner, or my parents’ distinct Hispanic accent when communicating with my teachers served as a constant reminder of my Salvadoran heritage. Yet, understanding my parents’ motivation to pursue a better education for themselves and their children in a foreign country only became apparent upon emigrating in pursuit of my own. My four years at Edinburgh University presented several challenges where my temporary immigrant status served as a disadvantage, …show more content…
In Edinburgh, the unfamiliar bureaucracy combined with the unique wordplay of Scottish English complicated managing simple tasks such as opening a bank account or working part-time. Additionally, any aid or advice from friends and family back home was minimally applicable to managing the distinct routines in the UK. Further challenges such as coordinating an eight-hour time difference made finding my own answers imperative. While many of these tasks were minor, the cumulative effect of these mundane tasks coupled with the feeling of remoteness, served as a constant reminder of my new foreign home. Over time, learning to be resourceful and persistent proved useful in succeeding with job applications and securing an internship at the Maizels parasitology lab as an undergraduate. In further developing my resourcefulness, I came to understand that asking the right questions is essential, especially when presented with the challenges of living in a foreign