Retrospectively, our most important observations are as follows:
1. Newcomers feel nervous about their cultural heritage when they moved to a distant place
2. Newcomers seek out community as a way to build confidence in their new setting
Two of our user profiles offered a fuller picture of these observations:
Peter cares most about living the "North American lifestyle" and doing everything he can to take it all in.
A day in Peter's life
30-year-old Peter moved from Germany to Alberta, Canada to experience the North American lifestyle. He's wearing rose-colored glasses, and every new experience in Canada seems shiny and wonderful. He has enrolled in the local community college to learn English, and spends as much free time as possible conversing with English speakers. More than anything, he wants to live the liberated energy he associates with North American culture. Everyday, he looks to make connections with North Americans who share a common interest, may it be running gardening, or an appreciation of coffee. Peter's not looking to establish a German community in Canada; he's wants complete immersion, and this means initially cutting ties with reminders of home. At this point, he has few responsibilities outside of his own well being.
Peter's Challenges
Peter encounters cultural surprises on a daily basis: he doesn't catch references, can't quite understand why everyone is laughing; and can't wrap his head around Halloween. Having moved to Canada from Germany in the 1970's Peter encounters individuals who resent him for German action in the Holocaust. On some level, Peter feels hurt by the transfer of guilt, but is motivated to make his life in Canada as positive as possible. Peter will not let the judgements tarnish his new environment. He keeps his distance, says little, and hopes those who blame him for German history will come to change their perceptions.
Lauren cares about making friends and feeling supported by those around her.
A day in Lauren's life
7th grade Lauren moved from Puerto Rico to Indiana for her parent's jobs. She makes immediate friends with her neighbors, who welcome her to their friend group. Lauren's greatest assets are her outgoing personality, youth, strong family, and ability to join communities. The fact that she is the only hispanic girl in her school gives her an edge. Three years later she moves from the midwest to New York City. The city is not welcoming, too fast paced, and without her family together, she feels like she's going at it alone.
Lauren's Challenges
For Lauren, it was easy to brush off "cute" misunderstandings of cultural norms. A greater struggle came out of her resentment for the move to New York City. She feels that her parents only took their needs into consideration, and did not understand the difficulty a teen who already felt different would have moving to a busy and impersonal city. She wishes someone understood how difficult it was, or someone who had gone through a similar move could guide her through it.