"They said they had an opening in marketing."

REHOBOTH BEACH — After years of studying English, saving money, and earning a coveted J-1 Work & Travel visa, 21-year-old Aziz Nurmagambetov arrived in America this summer expecting to experience the American Dream.

Two weeks later, he found himself standing outside Royal Farms on Route 1 dressed as a giant chicken.

"It's... not exactly what I imagined," Aziz admitted through the beak. "But management says I flap with confidence."

Like thousands of international students who travel to Delaware every summer through the J-1 program, Aziz hoped to improve his English, experience American culture, and earn enough money to help pay for college back home in Uzbekistan.

Unfortunately, by the time he arrived in mid-June, many of the area's best summer jobs had already been filled.

"I applied everywhere," Aziz said. "Hotels. Restaurants. Ice cream shops. Mini golf. I was beginning to worry."

Then Royal Farms called.

"They said they had an opening in marketing."

As part of the company's annual Chickenpalooza promotion, Aziz now spends occasional afternoons enthusiastically waving to passing motorists while wearing a six-foot-tall chicken costume.

"My official title is Brand Ambassador," he explained proudly. "It sounds much better than Temporary Poultry." Despite the unusual assignment, Aziz insists he's learning valuable professional skills.

"I now understand customer engagement, roadside brand awareness, and heat exhaustion."

Back home, however, his family has a somewhat different understanding of his American adventure.  "Our son is gaining valuable international business experience with one of America's largest food companies," his proud mother recently told neighbors.

According to friends, Aziz has become remarkably skilled at positioning his phone during video calls.

"Don't tell them about the chicken," he whispered to his roommate before answering.  His father, meanwhile, has reportedly begun introducing him around town as "our marketing executive in America."

"It's technically true," Aziz shrugged.

When asked whether America had lived up to his expectations, Aziz paused for a long moment.

"I imagined New York. Hollywood. Maybe the Grand Canyon." He looked out, down the Avenue as another family minivan drove past.  Instead of sightseeing, he received three enthusiastic honks, two waves from children, and one teenager who yelled, "Hey, Nice chicken asshole!"

"It is not the America I imagined," he admitted. "But it is definitely America."

Despite everything, Aziz says he'll be back next summer.

This time, however, he'll arrive in May and try to land a coveted role as a slice of pizza.

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Boardwalk Barker is a satirical, comedy news source.  All stories and attributions are fictional and intended for entertainment purposes.  I mean, it should be obvious, but just in case - there you go.