Interviews Archives - Page 5 of 5

Elizabeth works at a non-profit that helps refugees. I wanted to share a specific story she told that I found quite moving.

A Refugee’s Story:

One of my former colleagues was a Bhutanese/Nepali refugee, who was kept in jail and tortured for twenty years in a refugee camp. He didn’t have a nation. When he finally came here, he said the first morning he woke up in Buffalo, it was like he saw a new sun.

It took him seven years to earn his citizenship. He said, “Now, I have an identity.” He felt like America offered him dignity, humanity, and a place to call home.

Her Response:

His story made me value my own citizenship on a whole new level. I never considered not having a place to call home. I never thought about not having a country to call my own. In helping refugees, I watched a lot of citizenship ceremonies. Every time, it brought a tear to my eye.

On What Draws Refugees to America Generally:

Freedom for your children to have an education. Refugees want a better education and life for their children. Everyone here wants their children to go to school and do better than the generation before. That’s a pretty universal value, but definitely something refugees want when they come here.

September 1, 2017

A Civic Traitor?

“Republicans would look at me and say I’m a traitor to my party. Democrats would look at me and say I’m a traitor to my gender. So I don’t know if people would think I’m a good citizen.”

Amanda, U.S. State Department

September 1, 2017

A Supportive Citizen

Troy is a journalist who lives in D.C. and New York. His compassion for others was incredible and humbling. I thought everyone would benefit from reading about it.

On why he’s a good citizen:

I think I’m a good citizen. I actually help others, and I do my part to make this world a better place. For example, I was just with a client who’s elderly, and I help her manage her life. I help her stay on track. She’s a recent widow, and her husband used to do a lot of the organizational things. Now, I’m in that place, helping her out.

His thoughts on the importance of support:

Support is the key to being a good citizen. Everyone, at some point in time, needs a helping hand, and if we can do something to help somebody along the way, then we should (without expecting anything in return).

What he thinks all Americans need to know about:

We need to know about climate change. It makes a drastic difference; even things that have happened this past week (in the case of American Harvey).

Homelessness is also a huge problem. The rate is incredibly high right now. And some people are a few paychecks away from being homeless as well.

We also all need to know that there are good people in this world. There is a lot of stuff on social media that isn’t good that makes it seem otherwise.

On what makes us Americans:

Living the dream. Being responsible. And taking care of others who are in need. That should be the base for being an American.

How we can all be better Americans:

Help someone along the way. Whether it’s a homeless person, a coworker, a friend, do something different or try something new, to help others.

August 31, 2017

A Patriot, A Muslim, An Immigrant

Interviews

Idil is a 23-year old based in D.C. Originally from Turkey, she moved here for college. I was blown away by her passion and her love for America, and I wanted to share her interview.

On why she’s a good citizen:

I think I am a good citizen mostly because I’m a firm believer in public service, and I think that that’s something we have lost over time. I think we don’t have as much faith in government as we used to. I’m everything that the Tea Party hates. I’m a woman. I’m liberal. I’m a Muslim. I’m a feminist. I’m a lot of these things, and I’m an immigrant, and despite all that, I still believe in and fight for American values (by working on government issues). That’s what being a good citizen is all about.

Her keys to being a good citizen:

Political awareness. Belief in American values. Respect for others. Acceptance of others.

Her thoughts on why it’s challenging to be Muslim in America:

I went to a conservative college, and I remember people asking me when I was going to convert (to Christianity). It’s hard to understand why they couldn’t understand the differences between people. I think a lot of people don’t understand secularism. I think in the case of Muslims, 9/11 is responsible for that feeling. When I say I’m not drinking for Ramadan, people don’t understand. At the same time, because I don’t wear a head scarf, a lot of people here tell me I’m not real Muslim. So it’s rejection on both sides.

Her take on polarization’s effect on citizenship:

It’s tough to say whether people of the opposite political leanings are good citizens. The political climate doesn’t really allow us to endorse the other side’s good side. Even if Kasich were president instead of Trump, we would still say he was so terrible even though Kasich is a pretty moderate Republican and a good guy. Liberals might even say I’m not a good citizen because I might not use the right recycling; others might say I’m not because I don’t renounce my citizenship to Turkey. On the other hand, in my opinion, there are also a lot of people in my generation, especially on the other side of the aisle, who think they’re good citizens but don’t actually do anything to live up to that.

On why freedom is so important to America:

I think freedom better describes what it means to be an American better than opportunity. Opportunity is concentrated. But everyone has freedom. I can quit my job today, and become a coffee barista. And it’s my business. I can also say whatever I want. I can sit in a public environment and talk to you like this. There are a lot of countries you can’t do that in. But freedom should never be used to harm anyone

August 27, 2017

“Creativity and Capitalism”

Interviews

Born in India and registered as a New Zealand citizen, Ajay has lived in America for two years. Given his wide range of experiences in America and the world, I thought his interview would be a good one to share. Below are excerpts from our conversation, with edits made for clarity.

On why he is a good member of American society:

Yes, I am a good member of American society. I respect the laws, and I am an equal opportunity person. I don’t believe in racism. Creed, caste – nothing. I am a peace-loving person. I am very driven by business, and the values of creativity and capitalism that America is so known for. Continue reading “Creativity and Capitalism”

August 25, 2017

“A Love of America”

Interviews

Jordan is a nineteen-year-old college student. His parents immigrated to the United States from the Philippines, and he grew up in Florida and California. Below are his thoughts on being an American:

On why he is a good citizen:

I’d like to think that I am. I feel like by other people’s standards I might not be. But by my standards, I am. Because I really appreciate being in the United States. I love this country. There’s nothing I do in particular, but I do feel like I live like I love the United States. I am out here trying to get an education, which, living off financial aid and getting an education, is a pretty American thing.

On why his neighbor is a good citizen:

My neighbor has taken advantage of everything that this country has to offer. He has moved across the United States to get an education. He’s taking advantage of the freedom that this country offers, too. Continue reading “A Love of America”

August 18, 2017

An Interview with Jenna: “Respect and Listening”