Through Namibian eyes: My first month in America

When I boarded the plane from Windhoek to the United States a month ago, I knew I was stepping into an experience that would reshape how I see the world. This is my first time in America, and I am honoured to be the first Namibian journalist to participate in this programme in 60 years. Still, nothing could have fully prepared me for that first month. The smells, the sounds, the pace of life — everything felt familiar from television and films, yet entirely new when lived in person.My first impression came before I even left the airport: the sheer size of everything. The buildings seemed taller, the roads wider, and even the coffee cups were enormous. Back home in Namibia, we take pride in being a small but proud nation, where distances between people often feel shorter because our communities are so tightly knit. America, space seems to define life — from sprawling freeways to endless car parks and oversized portions in restaurants.It is often the smallest details that reveal the biggest cultural differences. One of the first things I noticed was how freely Americans make small talk and how quick they are to help. At first, I wasn’t sure how to respond to cheerful greetings from strangers, but I’ve since come to appreciate the warmth behind those quick exchanges. They are small gestures of connection in a fast-paced world.A taste of American lifeFood has been another adjustment. Bread and dairy seem to dominate most meals, and the servings are hearty, practical, and focused on comfort. The flavours are different from what I’m used to, but I’ve learnt that food here is more than sustenance — it is an expression of identity, culture, and community.The simplicity of American homes also stood out to me. The ones I have seen are neat, modest, and built for comfort rather than grandeur. Most have no boundary walls or fences, giving neighbourhoods an open, communal feel. This simplicity extends to clothing, too. People dress casually almost everywhere — at the supermarket, on a hike, even at work. It doesn’t seem to matter what office they hold: mayors, governors, and even judges dress simply and practically. In Namibia, we tend to dress more formally depending on the occasion, with careful attention to presentation. Seeing this effortless approach has reminded me that simplicity can also be a form of elegance.A highlight of my first month was visiting high schools and universities. In a hallway of one school in Grand Marais, large signs carried the words: Truth, Wisdom, Love, Respect, and Humility. It struck me that education here is not only about textbooks but also about shaping values. That moment made me think of my daughter, Nomzamo, who loves painting and drawing — and who constantly reminds me of the importance of creativity. I thought about the values I hope she carries through life: kindness, curiosity, and courage.Inside American newsroomsAs a journalist, I was eager to observe how American media operates. From visiting Minnesota Public Radio to walking through the newsrooms of the Star Tribune, the Chicago Sun-Times, and several investigative centres, I could feel the weight of journalism in a democracy that is loud, divided, and deeply engaged. Newsrooms here are larger, more sophisticated, and better resourced. It made me reflect on Namibia’s media landscape — smaller and younger, yet equally committed to holding power to account.Shared challenges, shared convictionsMuch of what I have observed so far — and continue to learn — is sharpening my perspective. I am beginning to see journalism through different lenses, thinking about how to incorporate these lessons into my work once I return home. The courage, innovation, and independence I’ve seen in American journalists and editors are both inspiring and instructive.In conversations with editors and reporters, I was reminded that our profession faces universal challenges: declining public trust, financial strain, and the constant pressure to adapt to digital change. Still, I saw how deeply journalism is woven into the American democratic fabric — a reminder that a free press is not a privilege but a necessity. That realisation renewed my conviction about the role of the media back home.No matter where I go, I carry Namibia with me. As the first Namibian fellow in this programme, I feel a special responsibility to represent my country. Whether I’m introducing myself as a journalist from “a beautiful desert nation in southern Africa with diverse cultures,” or simply sharing our experiences in public discussions, I feel both proud and humbled. This fellowship is not only about discovering America — it is also about networking, building relationships, and ensuring Namibia is part of the global conversation and that our stories are heard.The journey continuesMy first month has been full of surprises, culture shocks, and lessons that I am still processing. Above all, it has reminded me that curiosity is the best passport. The months ahead promise more travel, more conversations, and more moments of reflection. There are still cities to explore — Iowa, New York, San Francisco, Austin, Phoenix, Washington, D.C., Chicago, and even Alaska — but so far, so good. I am ready to keep learning, questioning, and connecting, both as a journalist and as a human being.As I continue this journey, I hold onto something simple but powerful: whether in Namibia or America, it is kindness and humility that carry us the furthest.Sonja Smith is a Namibian investigative journalist currently in the United States as part of the World Press Institute (WPI) fellowship programme, joining eight other accomplished journalists from around the world.

Through Namibian eyes: My first month in America

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-10

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Through Namibian eyes: My first month in America

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-10

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