Clara, widely known on TikTok as @away.intheusa, has released a helpful list for those seeking to adapt to life in the United States. In her latest video, the Spanish creator addresses a seemingly simple but crucial topic for any immigrant: the everyday acronyms used in the country.
"When you move to the United States, you quickly realize how heavily acronyms are used," Clara starts, having compiled the most important ones to ease the transition for new arrivals. One of the first acronyms she highlights is USCIS, which stands for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a must-know for any immigrant.
Next, she mentions the IRS, the U.S. equivalent of the Spanish "Hacienda," and the SSN, or Social Security Number, essential for both working and paying taxes legally.
Everyday Acronyms to Know
Continuing with her examples, Clara discusses the DMV, the Department of Motor Vehicles, where you handle both identification and driving permits. She cautions against confusing this with the geographical area known as the DMV, which covers Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, noting that "even the metro crosses from one place to another."
She concludes her list with USPS, the United States Postal Service, and highlights the difference from UPS, a private shipping company similar to FedEx.
Engaging with the Audience
The video has sparked comments and interactions. One user inquired, "Can you transfer a Spanish driver's license?" while another, more accustomed to American life, said, "I thought you were going to talk about OOO, WFH, EOD, EOW, EOM, BID, IMO, KPI, PTO, TLTR, BRB, COB..." Clara quickly replied in her characteristic friendly tone, "This is more basic, for when you've just moved... we'll dig deeper, there's no shortage of acronyms!"
With a promise to continue breaking down this intricate system of abbreviations, @away.intheusa remains a go-to account for those looking to make their transition to life in the United States smoother.