5 factors to help you succeed in American schools

As a new American, you dream of freedom, education, endless opportunities, and success.

Coming to America is an exciting experience. People all over the world know of the land of opportunity and many long to see it for themselves. As a new American, you dream of freedom, education, endless opportunities, and success. However, the reality of a newcomer’s life in America is not all happy times all the time. At least not at first. There are several obstacles that prevent new refugees and immigrants from accessing success quickly. This article will address five factors that could present obstacles and how to overcome them.

Language

Depending on where you came from, English may be a challenge for you when you first arrive. If you have never used the English language, do not despair. There are numerous resources to help you navigate your new language. Public school teachers who specialize in English as a Second Language are often people who are fully committed to helping newcomers learn the language as efficiently and quickly as possible. In addition, every city in America provides free access to public libraries where you can sit and read or borrow books to take home. The internet is also very useful for this purpose, as different organizations around the country dedicate themselves to providing language lessons at no or little cost to you.

More importantly, be courageous in your use of this new language. Talk to the cashier at the store, your neighbor, as well as your classmates and teachers. Being afraid to make verbal mistakes only delays the learning process.

Cultural Differences

My biggest surprise as a high schooler in America was the ways in which teachers and students interacted. I had only known the experience in which students only speak when spoken to and teachers do not often ask for the opinions of their students. I had to learn that my new teachers wanted to hear my thoughts on all kinds of topics, sometimes even after class was over. Becoming comfortable enough in the presence of authority will help you ask the big questions. It will also broaden your horizon, bringing you into the world of research.

Self-Restriction

Do not be afraid to reach beyond the classroom and do not doubt your ability to excel in any subject area. No matter the level of education you have, there is always knowledge to be gained outside of classroom walls. The teacher or professor will ignite your brain and introduce you to ideas and information you did not know before. Your job is to not only learn that information but to also expand on it. If you are reading Shakespeare in class, ask yourself who else published during that time and find the answers. If you have a strong interest in science, seek out authors who are experts in your field. It is never too early to discover your true interests, but you have to look for them through trial and error.

Personal Growth

You can only grow as a person if you are facing challenges in all areas of your life. Take every opportunity that comes your way, especially if you are likely to gain a new perspective at the end of it. When I started college, my English was still so rough that the essays I wrote then look foreign to me now. I joined several student clubs to increase my chances of talking to other students. I signed up to work as a French tutor to help my fellow students and expose myself to the world of interpretation and translation. By sophomore year, I was working as a research assistant for a professor who did clinical studies abroad. I had no idea the ways in which all of these experiences would serve me later. I now earn extra income writing and translating for various groups. Keep an open mind as you choose how you spend your time in and outside of school. Your future will present you with doors that you have not considered yet.

Defining Success

Last but not least, be sure that your definition of success is your own. Keep it in mind as you work hard to achieve it. Set your goals and remind yourself often that they are within reach no matter how long it takes. The key is in taking it one step at a time.

This article was originally published on The Refugee Center Online.