Imman balances two different cultures
While most high school students count down the days until they get to sleep late all summer long, junior Immanuel Olaopa correlates summer with boarding a plane back to Canada, the place he calls home.
Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Olaopa’s life began to change during the beginning of his sophomore year when he suddenly moved to the United States. His move to Greenville was a result of his mother getting a job offer to fill a nursing position at East Carolina University Health.
As Olaopa began his transition from Canadian life to American life, he was forced to leave behind his friends, family and aspects of Canada that meant the most to him. One thing in particular that Olaopa cherishes about Canada is the comfort found in the food he grew up eating.
“They don't really have it here in America, but I
graphic by lorian mcgillicudy
really love poutine, " Olaopa said. “That is definitely something I'm really looking forward to when I go back there this summer.”
Although this adjustment was difficult, it allowed Olaopa to notice some eye-catching contrasts between the two cities. From the warmer weather to the diversity in Greenville, things felt different from what he was used to in Toronto, Ontario.
Navigating a new school became another hoop for Olaopa to jump through. Compared to his past schools in Canada, the longer school days at J.H. Rose were something that took time to get used to.
“Rose is way longer than my old school [and] I don't really like long days,” Olaopa said.
Despite Olopa feeling a build up of frustration from the longer school days, he believes there have been some unexpected, but valuable, assets that have made the transition to a new school worthwhile.
“The teachers here, in my opinion, are way better,” Olaopa said. “They like to take their time more with students, and there's a lot more classes you can take, which is pretty nice.”
Beyond academics, athletics have also played a meaningful role in Olaopa's success at a new school. As he has played soccer his entire life, becoming a part of the Rose soccer community has helped him feel more comfortable in America and in his new life.
“Here, there are more sports, which is good,” Olaopa said. “[Soccer has] a very welcoming team [and they are] very nice people.”
While the soccer team has helped Olaopa feel comfortable on the field, it was not the only place he has found support.
“The people I have met are really nice,” Olaopa said. “They have shown me around, my favorite part is meeting some of the people here.”
One connection that stands out to Olaopa the most is his friendship with junior Rhys Warren. Warren has grown close to Olaopa through shared classes and conversations about Canadian lingo and experiences.
“It's funny when he talks about Canadian lingo and Canadian things,” Warren said. “He’s a great guy, I think he has a bright future and a lot coming for him.”
Despite the friendships he has built in Greenville, he often thinks about returning to his roots. Olaopa is set to return to visit his Canadian friends and family in late June, right after Canadian schools are out for the summer.
“I feel really happy that I have the opportunity to do that because it gives me something to look forward to every year,” Olaopa said.
Olaopa lives between two different worlds, surrounded by people who have grown to care deeply about him. While his Canadian family feels his absence during the school year, his Greenville family feels his absence during the summer.
As Olaopa prepares to spend the summer in his homeland, Warren has faced a mix of sadness and joy. He has felt sadness at the thought of him being in another country, but joy at the thought of him returning for the next school year.
“He’s just a chill guy, and I'll miss him,” Warren said. “I’m happy he came to America, and I'm looking forward to him coming back.”