How I shed my “old skin” to become more Australian.
By: Ola Tawose
Tags: Identity, Australia, Travel, Migrants, Race

Australia is home for me, it’s in the region I’ve always wanted to be and now that I’m here, I know it’s the place I belong. Situated just 3hrs away from probably my biggest travel itch — New Zealand. This is a land blessed with the splendour of natures wonders, Kangaroos, Wombat’s, Cicadas, Dingos and yes — Snakes. Wondrous, dangerous, beautiful snakes.

Image by Picography from Pixabay

For the record, I’m not a fan of snakes, too much of my youth was lived around uninvited snakes and if I never see another snake again it will be too soon. However, there’s one thing about these creatures that never ceases to intrigue me. Something they do is a true metaphor for growth and change. The shedding of skin.

A lesson every migrant learns — sooner or later.

Regardless of what country you were born in, you are human. People will always be humans. Our skin colour will never defy the fact that our blood will forever bleed red. It’s common knowledge that snakes shed their old skin and emerge renewed but it’s always the same snake — always the same colour, just a better version of itself.

This is what emigrating begins to do to you. You may realise it slowly but you’re changing, you’re growing. Life forces you to change. Being a new member of an old country, life nudges us to adapt and to grow. Integration always requires change — a shedding of the old you.

Image by Joshua Woroniecki from Pixabay

However, just like a green snake cannot shed its old skin to emerge as a brown one, it’s impossible for a migrant to arrive in a country and change from being a member of one culture, accustomed to another language or even an alternate version of the prevalent language and immediately aim to become an authentic part of a new culture.

Without the fertility of time and sowing the seeds of your intentionality, your dreams will only climax in futility.

We can choose to walk away from our origins but we will never be able to shed the part of us that made us who we are. Where you come from doesn’t define who you are, it doesn’t limit the future you will have or how high you can aim but undeniably, it will always be a part of you.

You could live in a new country for several years, even decades, you can become a notable member of society. You can be acknowledged as “one of us” but the feeling of loneliness, the fact of your difference will always be there. Others may not notice it but you will. You always will.

Many people want to migrate, take an adventure and create a new legacy for their family but the enduring truth of your life's journey is always the same. The beginning always differs, circumstances are never the same, labels are unavoidable, particular events and people will almost never intersect but the journey follows the same path.

Something happens, you decide (are forced) to emigrate, you (eventually) choose Australia. You almost always struggle to get the visa, You arrive in Australia, Initially struggle to get a job. You find yourself loosing so much confidence then you get the big break. You get a job. You start settling in, things go well then inevitably they don't. Still, you gain understanding, build new relationships while continually feeling different from the majority of people. It's obvious — you’re a different skin tone, a darker shade, you speak with a “wrong” accent but yet you continue to strive forward, building a life.

Image by MetsikGarden from Pixabay

You always get homesick but you lie to yourself that it doesn't matter and choose to stay the path, eventually life becomes normal. You belong here, you are happy.

At least that's what you choose to tell yourself. Perception is stronger than reality. The truth is what we decide it is. Isn't it?