No "accent" Puerto Rican

I was reading the post from Brendee about Culture Shock, and I must say, that indeed it is very hard to communicate or "fit in" like an American with out the language. I am from Puerto Rico and I was not afraid to speak English when I came, but most Americans expect me to understand their lingo and speak clear concise English. They expect this because I supposedly do not have a "Puerto Rican accent," therefore assuming I am an American or at least someone raised here. I am not, So when I hesitate or stop mid-sentance searching for the write word, or when I'm reading I cannot pronounce the word correctly, I feel stupid. I feel embarrased because I do not have that strong Spanish accent that sort of "shields" others when they misspell, or can not find the correct word to plug into their speech. Their accent "guards" them from the critics because it is understood that they are learning the language. Me on the othe hand, either tell them I was born and raised in P.R. (so they would not judge me) or I could walk away and let them think I am somewhat "slow". My primary language is Spanish therefore I find myself thinking in Spanish to find the correct word or term and translate it to English in order to express myself. Even our professor in class, asked me if I spoke English growing up, but the truth is, that the little English I spoke (only to my mom), was very limited and did not last. I am still learning, and of course I cannot compare myself to the people who come here with NO English at all, but I just wanted to say that I do understand their struggles and I am very happy that now there are many ways to help the ELL's.