My name is Vivian Mançellari. I’m a 26-year-old journalist from a land far, far away: Albania.
I am — or by the time this goes to print, was — the intern who was never sent to get the coffee nor was told to “go fetch.” To quote the big boss, I worked my tail off, or at least I tried to make the most of my time there.
From the first day to the last, I kept getting asked about my experience working and briefly living in the U.S. Some of the curious would come up to me with a sparkle in their eyes, expecting a five-star review of their lovely country. Others, less optimistic, would ask these questions with a look of fear on their faces, as if to say, “Please don’t be brutally honest.” Then I would meet the occasional Shqipe, who would immediately ask “Shqiptare je moj?” (Are you Albanian?)
As someone who got to live two lives in the USA — the nine-to-five life (my actual working hours were from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) and the European tourist life — I have a few not-so-groundbreaking observations to share with whomever is interested:
- A smile really does go a long way. If an Albanian isn’t fond of you, you can read it on their forehead. Whether an American loves you, hates you, is disgusted by you, or finds you charming, it doesn’t matter. They will always greet you with a smile and a compliment to start the day off in a positive way. I was lucky enough to meet some amazing people during my time there and I’m happy to call them my friends now.
- The City of Sin’s only sin is that I couldn’t pack it up and bring it home with me. Lynn is a beautiful city with a lively and lovely community. I particularly enjoyed being greeted by the city’s artwork every morning as I arrived at my station.
- Now let’s take a different train of thought — two trains, to be exact — and talk about Boston. I will always cherish the fact that I got to experience the Boston Celtics making NBA history and those game nights, surrounded by the energy of the fans. I happen to believe that my being there had something to do with them winning the championship, but you don’t have to go along with it.
The only thing that shook my love at first sight for Boston was visiting Portland, Maine. However, I would be willing to rekindle that spark and have a second honeymoon with the beautiful Boston.
- I felt young getting asked for my ID every time I entered a place that served alcohol. For that I’m grateful! Especially since back home they basically count my age in dog years.
- Unless you plan on going to a fancy restaurant for every meal of the day, before you go to America, be warned: It will take you some time to find the real taste of good American food, but once you find it you’re hooked! Not to mention the perfect mixture of every cuisine in the world that you can look for, or find by coincidence by simply walking down the street. And while I was on that mission, I also found a delicious espresso shot at the Union Cafe in Central Square! It really felt like home.
- With a good mixture of hard work, a couple of magic beans, and some luck, the USA really is the land of opportunities. Haters will say this is my attempt to get a Green Card. If we’re all really, really quiet, maybe the universe will listen to the haters…
- However, that being said, don’t bet all of your chips on the magic of the USA. Good things come to those who work for them and have a positive life-loving attitude, but if you’re miserable at home, you’re probably going to be miserable in any part of the globe you land on. I learned how to smile there too!
- As for the comparison of being a journalist in America versus Albania nowadays, based on this experience, the situation feels the same. It is the best of times, it is the worst of times! Basically, if you’re going to do this job, you better love it.
- Do you believe in life after America? As someone who also loves her country and thinks very highly of it, I will admit that adjusting to a routine away from the USA is hard. I began to feel the longing set in as soon as that plane started to take off and I am already looking forward to going back.
- There’s nothing you can’t find in the United States of America!
Do I have some regrets? Would I do some things differently if I were to experience this trippy trip over again? Sure! But I’m not going to delve into the downsides, because you don’t get to be a downer when writing about the greatest country in the world.
The reality is my impression is neither this, nor that. Turns out we are all just some people sharing a planet. The only thing that makes coming to America seem like a bigger deal than it is in reality is the fact that you need to take a 12-hour flight to get there.
In case you can’t tell, I regret to admit that I didn’t anticipate this unique opportunity with the highest expectations possible, but it’s safe to say this has been an amazing experience.
I have loved every minute of my time at The Daily Item, so much so that I would wake up every day before my alarm went off. The main reason for that was the pink lady a.k.a. Lauren DiMarco, who is what happens when prayers are answered. As for the rest of The Item’s team, they’re not too bad either. As a matter of fact, they are all pretty amazing! I will forever be grateful for each and every one of them.
Thank you for having me!
Love,
V
