In our Voices blog, immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers share their experiences and thoughts with other newcomers. Blog posts are published mostly in English.

Many refugees and immigrants are graduating across the country. It’s graduation season. People at all levels of education are walking across stages and celebrating the amazing accomplishment of finishing school. Here is some advice for recent graduates. I took my own walk of pride ten years ago this month. My graduation was the conclusion of ... Read more

Becoming a US citizen is a gift beyond my own efforts. On February 22, 2018, I became a US citizen – a privilege given to me through life circumstances. I am very grateful to become an American citizen. I cried mixed tears when I became an American citizen. I cried the tears of happiness and ... Read more

USAHello image The benefits of volunteering activities are a new concept for many newcomers. Of course, lending a hand to people in need is just as common in other cultures. But American society makes the most of the benefits of volunteering. Volunteering has provided me with many benefits and was personally fulfilling. As I searched ... Read more

Moving away from home can alter your habits. It is important to keep healthy habits in your routine. As far as I know, all cultures in the world encourage healthy habits. I remember back in Kurdish culture in the Middle East, people were always saying that eating healthfully will keep you to perform healthily. Many ... Read more