Immigrant Students' Welcoming Stories

Spanish Subtitles, Newcomers High School Welcoming Stories from First Person American on Vimeo.

Over the few next weeks, we will be sharing excerpts from the New Comer's High School Welcoming Project described in the letter below.

Dear Readers,

In this publication, you will read the stories of my incredible students, all new immigrants to the United States. They have agreed to take the brave and difficult step of telling their stories, though sometimesfull of painful and challenging memories, because they believe that in sharing their stories, perceptions of immigrants may change.

Immigrants, and refugees in particular, have been under attack in recent years, mainly due to lack of awareness and stereotypes about who immigrants are and why they come here. It is our hope that these stories will help to end these negative attacks and build a bridge between my students and those who haven’t had the pleasure of knowing them. It is also our hope that through their stories, we will help to educate the world about the rich and wonderful people my students and their ancestors are, the extraordinary experiences they have had, the goals and dreams they have for their lives here, and the enormous value they add to this country.

These stories were also a gift for my students. In the process of writing them, they came to learn about their own lives, their rich histories, and their families’ histories. Finally, my students have had a chance to share their gratitude for the people who have welcomed them to this country, helping them to find their way. And in turn, my students have shared a welcoming action they took, to help a newcomerfind his or her way with their support. It was their chance to give back, to help someone in the way they wished they had been helped. We hope you enjoy their stories, and perhaps this publication will inspire you to write your own life story!

-Julie Mann

Thanks to NYC Newcomers High School teacher, Julie Mann for sharing.