1. Immigrating to the United States
Owning the Journey

2. Introduction My name is Igxtelle Mbah Acha
I am originally from Cameroon, in Central Africa
I am licensed New York Lawyer
Immigrated to the United States in 2011
Founded Innocence Reclaim International
Works as a Risk Manager with TD Ameritrade in Fort Worth Texas

3. What are we talking about today?
Storytelling. I will share with you 3 stories of people who wear your shoes and their experiences
A few tips you need to know
My story
Q&A

4. Dr. Nina Lum
An internal medicine physician at the St. Joseph hospital in London, Kentucky.
Originally from Cameroon
Fluent in English and French
Immigrated to the U.S to meet her father

5. Do not exclude yourself Pick your associations and influences wisely
“I wish I owned my story earlier on. Meaning; I wish I was not afraid to accept my origin and use it as a strength and not see it as a limitation like I once did. I wish I believed in myself sooner, not later. I wish I saw my peculiarity and use that to stand out for a good cause. It was easy for everyone to remember when I walked into a room because I was the girl from Africa. I wish I has used that to be the girl from Cameroon who was courageous, wise, encouraging etc.”
Do not exclude yourself
Pick your associations and influences wisely
Go big, Think big
Find mentor ship clubs e.g. Boys & Girls of America, Young Leagues
Read books
Expose yourself to positive situations that are different from what you are familiar with

6. Sandra Kemayou Best Selling Author and Business Analyst
Originally from Cameroon
Migrated to the United States when she was 16
Had no relatives other than an uncle and her sister

7. “I wish I knew that I had the advantage
“I wish I knew that I had the advantage. You have experienced something that none of your classmates have. You are more resilient, more patient and in many cases smarter.”
If English is not your first language then you must surround yourself with English Speakers
Embrace that different does not mean better or worst. It simply means different. Ask questions, be fearless, integrate but always remain true to yourself
Use google, and call the source. Stay away from well meaning folks that do not have the facts. Laws change every year, when in doubt, call the related agencies

8. Tatiana Nchotu Business Analyst-JP Morgan Chase
Originally from Cameroon
Her parents brought her to the United States

9. Get involved in extra curricular activities at school
Join as many boards as you can make time for
Decide to be recognized academically and athletically if possible-this will cause your classmates to respect your brilliance
Focus your energy on things that will grow you and improve you
Find someone you trust in school, maybe a teacher and express your struggles and concerns
Play a sport which will help you take out any anger or frustration you may be feeling
Have fun in the entire process
Some of the struggles I encountered upon arriving includes; making new friends and surviving school. Looking back, I wish I had just told myself that those things take time to get used to and there is no deadline or pressure. I was made fun of, I let it define me and hurt me and I became very quiet and shy. At that time I did not understand that what others thought of me should never define me.

10. A FEW THINGS TO KNOW
Your grades matter: Do whatever it takes to have good grades and improve on yourself. Even if your parents are too busy to follow you up, strive to be the best 01
Do not be afraid to ask questions. Even if you are laughed at for your accent, always remember there are no stupid questions, your teacher is there to assist you 02
Be involved. You do not need to be popular to identify with a community and be a part of it. Leadership means servitude. Learn to serve those around you 03

11. Attend an “Accent Reduction Class” It is worth the while and will help you with your English, pronunciations, and give you overall confidence in communicating with your peers
Make the librarian your best friend. Visit him/her. Ask for help in researching for scholarships that you are eligible for. Scholarships for high school as well as college
Set up achievement goals. Don’t just come to school because your parents make you to. Rather set goals all along the way.
Your teacher is there to help you. Don’t run away or shy away from your teacher. Ask for help for as many times as you may need help.
A FEW THINGS TO KNOW

12. I believe you have in it you to make it.
My Story
I believe you have in it you to make it.

13. Q&A
What do you want to know