Tag: refugees
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Immigrants make America great
Everyone — whether we realize it or not — knows an immigrant. It could be the woman who served you drinks in the restaurant, the man who files your insurance claims, your child’s best friend in elementary school, a gardener or doctor who you pass on your way to work. And all of us in the…
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Lessons from Spain: helping new neighbors
Moving to Spain has been different from when I stayed in Costa Rica or Slovakia. During those visits (which were two to four months), I had a specific program and personnel who helped me understand the rules of how to live in another country. In Spain, I am largely on my own, being helped along…
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We must respond to genocide
First, a confession I have been a friend and family member to people from various countries since 2013, when I moved into a new neighborhood in Fort Worth, Texas. When I was an intern in an unfamiliar city, it was Iraqis, Somalians, Sudanese and Nepalis who invited me into their homes for elaborate meals moments…
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The Color of Hunger: El Salvador reflections
Donate to Elmer and his family here! Earlier in the semester of my study abroad program in Costa Rica, we heard a lecture from Elmer, a painter, artist, poet, and teacher who grew up in a trash dump in El Salvador. Our program did not invite statisticians or economics professors to present facts about food…
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Paris and the problem of selective grief
Today, I grieve for the people of Paris. Over 120 citizens were murdered in terrorist attacks at several locations including a stadium, rock concert and restaurant. In July, I was walking past this same stadium with my Parisian friend Marjorie and my best friend Lav. It is close to Marjorie’s home in the neighborhood of…
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My winning travel essay!
It’s finally here! Last February, I placed in a travel writing contest through the magazine Transitions Abroad. They’ve posted the article to their website so you can have a look here. The name of the essay is Neighborhood of Nations: exploring culture without leaving home. It’s about my internship working with refugees in Fort Worth,…