I’M ADOPTED by Viktorija, Catholic Regional College North Keilor
“I’m adopted.” Each time those words leave my lips I see facial expressions like it’s so uncommon. Fact is in 2012, 333 adoption applications were successful. We are scarce but we do exist.
Being adopted at the age of 8 and moving half way across the world did leave a lot of questions unanswered but it also was a huge learning experience not only for me, but my new family. Coming from Lithuania, a freezing snowy winter environment where the local language was Lithuanian, to a summer atmosphere where the language was a total mystery to me, was not easy. The sudden change from traditional and cultural Lithuanian food to my first taste of Aussie food; fish and chips, didn’t appeal to me. Settling into grade 1 with curious children around me and my first teacher who gave me the English alphabet to trace as soon as I sat down was an experience I’ll never forget. Everything I’ve learnt I’ll never forget.
With age various questions were answered. With time my native language even with weekly language classes, faded away from lack of use. With my involvement in the Lithuanian scouts, I learnt about the history of my birth country and special traditions. Being adopted isn’t a curse and in some cases it’s a blessing. I wouldn’t have met the people I have if I wasn’t adopted and I wouldn’t have had the experiences. Even though I have a sense of nationalism towards Lithuania, it is clear that Australia is my home.
Most people when thinking of an adoptive child will instantly think of the stereotype; the trouble makers with distressing birth pasts who are not joyful. Stereotypes are people’s own judgement on a group of people who act the same, look the same, or have had the same thing happen to them.
“I’m adopted.” Each time those words leave my lips I see facial expressions like it’s so uncommon. Fact is in 2012, 333 adoption applications were successful. We are scarce but we do exist.
Being adopted at the age of 8 and moving half way across the world did leave a lot of questions unanswered but it also was a huge learning experience not only for me, but my new family. Coming from Lithuania, a freezing snowy winter environment where the local language was Lithuanian, to a summer atmosphere where the language was a total mystery to me, was not easy. The sudden change from traditional and cultural Lithuanian food to my first taste of Aussie food; fish and chips, didn’t appeal to me. Settling into grade 1 with curious children around me and my first teacher who gave me the English alphabet to trace as soon as I sat down was an experience I’ll never forget. Everything I’ve learnt I’ll never forget.
With age various questions were answered. With time my native language even with weekly language classes, faded away from lack of use. With my involvement in the Lithuanian scouts, I learnt about the history of my birth country and special traditions. Being adopted isn’t a curse and in some cases it’s a blessing. I wouldn’t have met the people I have if I wasn’t adopted and I wouldn’t have had the experiences. Even though I have a sense of nationalism towards Lithuania, it is clear that Australia is my home.
Most people when thinking of an adoptive child will instantly think of the stereotype; the trouble makers with distressing birth pasts who are not joyful. Stereotypes are people’s own judgement on a group of people who act the same, look the same, or have had the same thing happen to them.