Though cultures have their differences, they also have their similarities. Being in a new environment can be intimidating at first, but as one starts to adjust, similarities can be seen everywhere.

Largo reflected on her experience in the United States.

“I feel like it is not that different. The people here treat me nicely, and they are really friendly. They want people to feel like they are accepted and welcome,” Largo said.

The first day of second grade for the girl had been very stressful. As had the second day. And the third. But every day it had become better, and she began to adjust.

One day, the girl’s mom picked her up from school and took her to get lunch.

“I would like a cheeseburger,” said the girl’s mom to the cashier.

“Sorry, what?” the cashier said.

The mom turned around to grin mischievously at the girl. Then, she turned back to face the cashier.

“May I please have a cheeze-burg-er?” she said in her very best American accent.

The girl had lost her accent years ago, and she seldom thought about how she had moved in second grade. Her mom’s accent contrasting with the exaggerated American one reminded her of that first day of school.

And although she remembered how uncomfortable and different her second grade classroom had felt, it would no longer bother her.