Okponglo Jayson Tatum 🇬🇭

That issue of fitting in goes both ways. I arrived in England to work in a Nigerian owned company as the only Ghanaian among over 200 workers. Those who know me know that I am very good at switching between American and British accents without struggling. I don't know how I acquired that but maybe it's just a gift from God. I fitted in very well in my all white Lichfield community in Wolverhampton. But my biggest challenge was my Nigerian environment. I chose silence over and over again at work and during trainings because I either received rolling eyeballs, plain scorn, or "Director, please ask her to repeat herself" from my colleagues. But interestingly, my bosses, the owners who are British citizens and have assimilated very well were rather impressed because accent was one of the biggest challenges that made it difficult for them to secure and maintain clients. So while I was doing okay among our clientèle, I was been bullied by my own colleagues who just couldn't process my accent. I had to drop all my clients, stop going to work and found another job. Over there too, I had to deal with my Asian colleagues. Another battle of accent. And yes, I slipped into depression dealing with this and the system there. Gradually I lost it and chose my sanity over GBPs. So yes, bullying is something that kills souls even if it doesn't result in physical attacks. And to be bullied over your accent, skin colour, even when you're giving your best? May his soul rest in peace.