Dear Friends,
I have seen first-hand the effort and diligence of the new Americans who study at the Center for New Americans. When I worked in Amherst CNA was housed in the same building I worked in, right down the hall. I do not have the experience of being an immigrant, but I am the daughter of one. Thinking about what folks study to pass their citizenship test, I've wondered if I could pass based on what I know now as one who was born into citizenship. I have also attempted to learn a new language as an adult and my experience is feeling so shy about speaking the words that it stings! I've thought about what it would be like to move to a country even if it were similar to the one I were leaving. It would still require me to and learn a new government, new customs, and maybe a new language. Musical taste, food, and cultural norms different from what I was used to would probably lend toward some level of feeling homesick.
I cannot fully understand what it is like to be an immigrant, but I can try. Even more, I can support those who come to this country and that is why I am joining in with a poem a day throughout November to support the Center for New Americans. Please join me by sponsoring my effort! From a dollar per day and on, your gift will help uplift and support those immigrants new to our community. Thank you!
With gratitude,
Jen
