My first semester in New Paltz

Khanh Dao

            

             I am Khanh. I’m from Vietnam. My semester in New Paltz was an unforgettable time in my life. I had a lot of fun, happiness, or even some bad experiences. From now on, my life has totally changed because I’m living in the new culture.

            

             My first impression in New Paltz was perfectly different from my thought. When I was in my country, I believe that this city must be crowded with different type of races like New York City. However, when I arrived here, I was totally surprised. There were a few people and this city was so peaceful. Then I went to my school, everything was so amazing. There was a spectacular landscape with a beautiful lake in front of my dormitory. The view was so colorful with different kinds of flowers. This place has made me completely astonished.

               

             Thoughout my time here, I have learned how to adapt to the new culture. My first day in this school, when I went to the dining hall, there was a lot of American people. I was so shy and I choosed to sit in the corner. I felt like there was a wall separate between me and the rest of students. However, there was a student from my region came and talked to me, I didn’t feel alone anymore. Few weeks later, I felt familiar with everything, I went to class and ate in the dining hall easily, I wasn’t felt shy as the beginning period.

            

             There was a big disparity between my culture and American culture. Firstly, there was a big different in getting in line. Everytime I went to the dining hall as well as other places, students always stay in line and wait for their turn. Meanwhile in my country, students usually cut in line because they want to be hurry. One time when I was cut in line in the cafeteria, somebody started to look me so weird. Then I knew that I made a mistake. They began to understand me because I’m a new student. Secondly, everytime I went the dining hall or others in my school, students usually hold the door for each other and reply in the polite way. However, in my country, students don’t hold the door for others because they don’t care.

             I’m loving my life in this school. In the beginning, I was very shy and didn’t want to talk to American. However, I was totally changed, I have learned a lot of thing about American culture. I will try to study hardly everyday and keep moving forward.