There are certain liberties that we don’t have. The lack of dual citizenship affects me the most because I can never fully feel at home and as a part of society. I need a visa, I have to walk around with my passport. Basically, I feel like a foreigner, no matter how much of the culture I have adapted. It also limits my ability to develop in Cameroon and improve my narrative of the country. I have Nigerian friends with dual citizenship that are able to capitalize on their ties to the US and go to Nigeria and thrive. To be honest, at the end of it all, it’s exhausting to the point where I just want to go back to home. ~ Peter Jeric
Being a first Gen doesn’t impact my experience at all. I go to Cameroon as a tourist for enjoyment. I just wish Cameroon provided a more luxurious tourism experience. ~ Unknown
As a first gen, born in Cameroon, I feel my experience visiting back home is always surrounded by others expecting me to prove how “Cameroonian” I still am, culturally and morally. ~Mengie Muluh
I have a looooot of work to do. My parents, our parents, have laid down a foundation for us. A very good foundation that I need to either, make stronger or build my own for others and not just me. My parents have a home in Cameroon that will exist for generations, not just my own. I didn’t consider these things in my 30’s. I was thinking, “I’m the American if my family, I’ll make money and potentially go to Cameroon”. But after my last two trips, my work in the states is directly tied with what I will do in Cameroon. So much more building to do. So much more education to gain. ~ Achille Hendje
Made me more aware that it may seem like all fun and games and good times when I’m there for a few weeks for holiday flossing and being the bushfalla I am, but life and struggles continues for them after we leave. And also, I’m more aware of the fact that my attitude has changed from feeling superior and ‘showing’ them how great America is to approaching Cameroon/Africa/Africans as a place to learn from. ~ Berka
Hey it depends on your perspective. Living here all my life, you get used to the creature comfort’s of being American and living the American life. When in Cameroon, let’s say Douala, although you do have modern amenities, it’s just not on the same level. So, if your perspective is that you should expect the same level of amenities, you’ll miss the experience all together.
~ Jean Hendje