Nila

1. Where are you from?

Iran

2. How long have you been in the USA?

2 years

3. What do you feel — where is your home now? Or what is your home now?

Right now, I feel like I don’t belong anywhere, and there’s no place I can call home.

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?

In the first year, my feelings about being here were better — because at first, I only paid attention to the good things.

But now, I can see the dark parts too…

Totally, I’m happy I chose here as a home. The people and nature are really nice — but I think it needs time.

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

Being allowed to have a job.

6. Has your sense of home changed over time? What does “home” mean to you now, after moving to a new country?

Home is a place where you feel safe and have a sense of well-being.

7. Who or what makes you feel like you belong somewhere? Why? For example: Parents? Friends? Culture or language? Nature? Or maybe something else?

Friends and language.

8. Do you think it’s possible to have more than one home? Why or why not?

No. This feeling requires things that a person can’t fulfill in two places at the same time.

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

Choose a place where you can work, travel easily to your home country, and where the laws are stable.

And I’m glad I chose a place where English is spoken.

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

Khane