My
New Name - Experience of Being a Foreigner Since I came to this country, the first thing that I changed was my name. I knew that my original name could be difficult for people here to pronounce and remember. So, I did some research and chose a name that is easier for native speakers. At first, it felt strange to introduce myself with a new name, like I was trying to be someone else. However, as time passed, I realized that my new name helped me to feel more integrated into the culture. People were able to pronounce it correctly, I didn't need to repeat it several times or spell it out. It felt good to be understood, to feel less foreign. But there were some downsides to this as well. Sometimes I felt like I lost a part of my identity. My previous name represented who I was and where I came from, and changing it felt like forgetting my roots. Also, some people might have thought that it was disrespectful to change my name, as if I were denying my heritage. Nevertheless, I believe that choosing a new name helped me to adapt to the new environment easier. It showed that I was willing to embrace the local customs and culture. It created a sense of belonging and acceptance. Today, when I introduce myself with my new name, I feel comfortable and proud of the person I have become. In conclusion, changing my name was just one small step in my journey as a foreigner, but it has been an important experience that taught me how to navigate cultural differences and how to balance assimilation and preserving my identity.