For the month of September, Not In Our School is taking to Facebook and Twitter to talk about creating welcoming environments for everyone on campus. We will highlight the voices of immigrant students with their stories of being welcomed to the United States and how they paid it forward by welcoming others. Please share your experiences welcoming back your students!
"In one of the terrible moments in the cafeteria where I felt lonelier than in any other place, I met the one who would later become my best friend. A very charismatic boy... who asked me to please stop crying and promised me to stay by my side until my sadness was completely gone... He is now one of my best friends and I want to thank him with all my heart for giving me the chance to be myself once again." -Yohara Molineros
"I still can't answer the question if someone asks if I miss my country and why. I don't know what I miss when my entire family lives here and it's easy to contact friends and other relatives. But Pakistan is my own country where I don't need any visa or identification to live. As I grow older, I've come to realize the differences and I've learned to adjust to the circumstances." -Nimra Rais
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.
Stay tuned for the release of the upcoming "Not In Our School Identity Safe and Inclusive School Program: Guide to Eradicating Bullying and Intolerance and Creating Belonging" written by Dr. Becki Cohn-Vargas
A message for incoming students: Stand Up and Be Yourself!