Straddling Two Worlds: Not Filipino Enough, Not American Enough

What this episode covers

What happens when you grow up feeling like you don’t fully belong anywhere?In this deeply personal episode of Sala Talks, I share my story as a Filipino immigrant who came to America at 13 years old — caught between two cultures, two identities, and two versions of myself.From being bullied for speaking Bisaya, to struggling with internalized shame, people-pleasing, and identity confusion… this episode explores the emotional reality of growing up “in between.”Not Filipino enough.Not American enough.Just trying to figure out where I belonged.We talk about:✨ Bicultural identity✨ Immigrant experiences & assimilation✨ Crab mentality in immigrant communities✨ Shapeshifting to survive✨ Therapy, healing, and self-acceptance✨ Learning to embrace ALL parts of yourselfMaybe the goal was never to choose one side.Maybe the beauty is in becoming the bridge between both worlds.If this episode resonated with you, don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to the channel for more conversations on identity, healing, creativity, womanhood, and the first-generation experience.Welcome to the Sala.Support the mission and wear the message. Explore the She is Rooted & Rising (SRR) collection linked below. Your support helps make future episodes and conversations possible.✨SHOP HERE: https://sheisrootedandrising.com/collections/allFOLLOW & CONNECT:✨Instagram: @katbesas✨Podcast Instagram: @salatalks________Sources:• “Crab Mentality.” The SAGE Encyclopedia of Filipina/x/o American Studies (2022).• Garcha et al. (2025). Cultural Frame Switching & Well-Being• Lerias et al. (2024). Acculturative Stress and Immigrant Mental Health• Nadal, K. L. (2021). Filipino American Psychology: A Handbook of Theory, Research, and Clinical Practice. Wiley.• Taas-Noo Pilipino. (2025, January 9). The “crab mentality”: Understanding envy and its impact on Filipino society.________⚠️ Disclaimer: The views and experiences shared in this episode are based on my personal lived experiences and are not meant to represent all Filipinos, immigrants, or communities. This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.If you are struggling emotionally or experiencing a mental health crisis, please seek support from a licensed mental health professional or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 (U.S. & Canada).________#SalaTalks #FilipinoAmerican #FirstGeneration #ImmigrantStory #BiculturalIdentity #FilipinoPodcast #WomenEmpowerment #EmpowermentMedia #HealingJourney #FilipinoCulture #MentalHealth #Identity #Podcast #AsianAmerican #FirstGen #SelfDiscovery #Filipina #CreativeJourney #Belonging #TherapyJourney #KatBesas

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