No Orientation Equals Disorientation

Lost Boy Peter, faced difficulties trying to adjust to American culture. The journey to America for a better life – namely, peace, freedom and education, proved to be grueling with starvation and heat’s hands constantly dragging him down. Indirectly, these conflicts during migration urged him on, as he tried to avoid their paths as frequently as possible. The refugee camp also served as a difficult place to be in, surviving on rationed food, being under poor living conditions and lacking an education which was one of many things that the Lost Boys hoped to change. However, the refugee camp was also a place of comfort and stability, being around your own people who share the same culture as you. Despite high hopes for a brighter future, America served to be a place where each would make it on their own, not walking for endless miles every day to feel like you have achieved nothing, but instead finding their way through the thick scrub, into the world of endless possibilities. The future represents a freshly planted seed, starting out small, slowly descending into the sky. Peter’s life is very similar in terms of achieving an education and working while juggling basic needs, and facing external pressure to send money back to Sudan. This was a huge internal conflict of Peter’s, as he felt the tug between providing for himself first and providing for his family. Not fully aware of his present condition, his family urges him to send back money despite his own financial condition. Peter dealt with sudden culture shock by dressing differently, becoming involved in the American lifestyle by playing basketball, making friends, and learning English, still remembering his roots and dedication to the country which chased him away but to which he still feels obligated to. Many mixed feelings are evident as Peter feels disconnected from society – such as an outcast of sort. While others sympathize with his story, being under their own security, they are negligent of Peter’s feelings at the moment. His expectations of America were not quite met, sending him into a difficult position. Without anyone to guide him, the future both promises and betrays, the decisions you make map out your journey, not by means of migrating from one place to another, but by traveling on in life to achieve your own, personal goals.