The Process of Cultural Adjustment III

I woke up the next morning eyes wide, not feeling any type of ill effects from the six hour drive that I endured the night before. Butterflies fluttered around my insides as I showered and prepped for my first ever ride on a subway. As I loaded into the crowded car, I double checked to make sure my wallet was in my front pocket and my phones were hidden underneath my sweater. A precaution brought on by scenes of violence from television shows as well as horror stories from previous visitors. What initially began as an interesting spacious ride, turned into a cramped hot metal box as more and more patrons loaded into the already crowded car. I stayed to myself in a corner constantly checking for my belongings and keeping my eyes straight ahead. That is, until the panhandlers came along. Sightings of a one legged man hopping along w/a hat and adolescents that looked like they should be in school traveled along the cars asking for money for various reasons. Reasons such as uniforms for basketball teams, losing homes in fires and selling candy instead of robbing. An hour later I was stepping off the subway and walking to my destination...Atlantic Records, for my 1st official day of work.

The Process of Cultural Adjustment Part II

After getting off the ramp leading to the Gun Hill section of the Bronx, which is the place I would call home for the next 3 months, I realized that I was definitely out of my comfort zone. There were no traffic laws whatsoever apparently and the roads were cluttered with potholes. Parking was impossible and as I read the signs I realized I'd be moving my car every 2-3 days to avoid street sweeping. However I embraced it as the beginning of my tenor in the big city. As I lugged my suitcase, duffelbag, and two backpacks to my cousins building I looked around at the buildings and noticed how big of a difference there was in architecture between this place and the place I called home. No building was made of anything other than brick and was no less than 10 floors high. As we entered the apartment, I situated myself with my new surroundings and began to mentally prepare for my 1st day at the office...

The Process of Cultural Adjustment

I'll begin my three part series on the Process of Cultural Adjustment that we're learning in class. Over the summer I had the opportunity to intern in New York, and as we all know it is a MAJOR difference between New York and Norfolk. I opted to drive the six hours to New York in order to prepare myself mentally for the change. As I gathered my thoughts I began what I feel was stage 1 which is the "Eager Expectations" stage. I could feel the butterflies begin once I hit the New Jersey Turnpike. Thoughts began to race through my mind at such a rapid pace, that I began to wonder if I needed to turn around and come home. I actually began to doubt myself which is something I do not do PERIOD. I'm thinking to myself; "Can I do this?", "What if they don't like me?", and then on the other hand I'm having thoughts like; "I can't wait to get there!", "What is it going to look like?" and, "I can't wait to party!". So as you can see there were very mixed emotions. Before even leaving Norfolk, I already had a negative predisposition about New Yorkers because of there attitudes and things of that nature. However, when I hit the George Washington Bridge, all of those thoughts vamoosed and I knew it was too late to turn around...

My 1st Blog...

Well, this is my 1st official blog. I am writing as I sit in the back of Dr. Hart's Intercultural Communication class. Surprisingly I haven't much to say yet.......so check back at a later date for more substance from me and my brain!