Some thought when I was eating Jiaozi

I came to the United States in August 2017. It was the first time I left my home country – China. Didn’t expected much culture shock because I had been watching tons of US TV shows since high school. But I was still shocked to find out every place has a drive through here, at least in Texas. 

After staying here in Dallas for almost two years, I get to know more about the subtler culture difference that I found out to be interesting. 

The other day when I was eating the traditional Chinese food – Jiaozi, which is a kind of dumpling, I realized that most traditional Chinese food, like Jiaozi and Baozi, have a similar appearance. They have clear and white skin that is made of dough. It looks flavorless. But if you bit it, the stuff inside absolutely tickles your taste buds. It somehow represents the personality of most Chinese people: Stay low key and don’t show off what you got. We consider it as a quality to be humble and honest. 

On the other side, the food here in the US is much more different. Every meal, from burger to pizza, from taco to lasagna is so “anxious” to show people what it has. These two years I have seen so many examples of my friends that are presentable getting a decent position offer compared those who are afraid or shy to show others what they are. Coming from a country with an utterly different culture, I was in the situation struggling to explain my opinion, thinking it only matters if I know the answer instead of letting others hear my voice. But now, I am confident to introduce myself to others and be recognized by others. It is one of the biggest things I have learned in the past year.  

I encourage you to try to get out your comfort zone and start sharing your thoughts with others. Let people hear you and know about you. It might take some time, but it is easy to start. Maybe start talking to your neighbors in class. Or tell the professors if you know the answer they are asking for. I guarantee you that your hand will get sweaty and your heart beats fast. I am still like that now. But you will not regret it. 

I hope this article helps to who are struggling with their shyness.