Every day I feel it: the great responsibility on my shoulders. As one of the only Americans (if not the only American) that the people here in Polemidia may encounter in person in the whole village—perhaps in some cases in their whole lives—inevitably have the power to dispel or reinforce stereotypes simply through my day-to-day words and actions. This responsibility is exciting and empowering but also a bit frightening at times. I feel called to attempt the impossible: to share about all aspects of America in all its diversity so that Cypriots do not reduce their perceptions of Americans to their perceptions of me. That is no small task, and perhaps it’s one that no one person can ever be expected to accomplish. Still, I do want to give my students a well-rounded understanding of America over the course of the school year, just as I want to give you all a well-rounded understanding of Cyprus.
Why is this responsibility a bit frightening, you may wonder? Because, with a hasty phrase, I could accidentally reinforce a stereotype. Even a simple misunderstanding arising from a language barrier or miscommunication could unintentionally give the wrong impression— without my even realizing it. And because I meet so many new people every day, I am constantly reminded of the power of good first impressions.
