Maria Alejandra
1. Where are you from?
I’m from Chihuahua, Mexico.
2. How long have you been in the USA?
I have been living in Fort Collins for 3 years.
3. What do you feel — where is your home now? Or what is your home now?
Today, I feel at peace, and my home is now the one formed by my husband and me.
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 think that for now, it is my new home. My husband is originally from Colorado, and that makes it easier to adapt.
5. What helps you feel at home in a new place?
- Knowing the city helps a lot
- New friends
- Integrating into programs to learn English
6. Has your sense of home changed over time? What does “home” mean to you now, after moving to a new country?
What I thought about home has changed. You make your home wherever you go, no matter the country.
For me, “home” means where you find peace, connection with your partner, and the feeling that you’re building a future.
7. Who or what makes you feel like you belong somewhere? Why? For example: Parents? Friends? Culture or language? Nature? Or maybe something else?
First, I feel calm here because of my husband. I also have some friends in Denver. And I believe that humans can adapt to changes and live in new places.
8. Do you think it’s possible to have more than one home? Why or why not?
Yes, because you make your home wherever you go.
9. What advice would you give to someone who is trying to feel at home in a new country?
It may not feel like home at first, but you can:
- Find activities that you like
- Meet new friends
- Get to know the city
- Look for places to eat delicious food
10. How do you say “home” in your native language (using English letters)?
In my native language, home is “Hogar.”
Hogar is the only place where you’ll always be surrounded by those who love you — a place where you feel like you belong, a place where you share love, laughter, and happiness.