“When I first arrived in Syracuse, it was very confusing and hard to figure out where things were. My dad also didn't speak English at all so there was a language barrier which only made things harder. Another thing was that we didn’t know anyone and felt unwelcome in this country we thought would be so good. We were refugees from a camp in Kenya (I was born in Somalia though) so we came in through Interfaith Works, which is one of many resettlement agencies that help refugees like my family out. This program we went through got us our housing and the basic supplies we needed. However, we had very little to no money and had to survive off of food stamps. Our housing was also Section 8 and we still currently live there. I’ve been in America since 2006 and to me, it doesn’t seem like my family is getting too far ahead. However, I do have the opportunity to go to college and am doing pretty well. My family assimilated well; my parents did learn English but still continue to speak Somali. He does this to keep his attachment to his homeland, and my homeland. However, I did immigrate here when I was younger so I don’t really remember too much but I do know that I love my homeland culture but I love the American culture too. My life has a fair share of both; I’d say I’m equal parts American and Somali and my family is too. I’m glad I came to America; there are so many more opportunities here and I’m going to have such a better future.”