Aleksandr

1. Where are you from?

I am from Belarus, from the city of Minsk.

2. How long have you been in the USA?

I have been in the USA for 2 years and 3 months.

3. Where is your home now?

Now, home for me is Fort Collins. It is my first place in the USA, and I still live here.

4. If you feel that the USA has become your home, how long did it take to feel that way? Did you do anything to help make it feel like home, or did the feeling come naturally over time?

I did not feel like home right away. It took about one year. I tried to make my place cozy, make daily routines, talk to local people, and find nice places like cafés and parks. These things helped me feel more at home.

5. What helps you feel at home in a new place?

What helps me most to feel at home is kind and friendly people. When I find friends or have deep talks with someone, even a new place feels better.

6. Has your sense of home changed over time? What does “home” mean to you now, after living in the USA?

After moving, I understood that home is something we make ourselves. It is the feeling and the small things that make us feel good. Now, home for me is a place where I can relax, no matter what city or country.

7. What makes you feel that you belong in a place?

People help me feel I belong to a place. When I have friends, when people understand and accept me, I feel connected to that place. Honest conversations make even a new place feel warm.

8. Do you think a person can have more than one home?

I think an immigrant always has two homes. One is where they live now. The other is the place of childhood, school, family… That second home stays in the heart, but it doesn’t really exist anymore.

9. What advice would you give to someone who is trying to feel at home in a new place?

I think it’s good to stay open. Talk to people, ask questions, and share who you are. Even a simple “hi” can start something important. New connections will help make the place feel warmer and better.

10. How do you say “home” in your native language (using English letters)?

Dom