Born towards the end of World War II, Janet grew up in Northleach, a small village in England that was mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086. Unlike some old villages, the houses of the Northleach main street have not modernized – they remain stable and upright with their thick sandstone walls. Janet grew up in a large house in ... Read More »
The Swiss Alps, an incredible sight to see. A place great for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter. A place where you can get some breathtaking photos of snow-capped mountain tops or lush green valleys. A place in the country of Switzerland, and the birthplace of a man named Jannik Zgraggen. Jannik is a Stanford student who ... Read More »
I never get to see my mother before, she died after I was born for 5 days. She passed away because of leukemia, this event is what pushes me to work hard and get through obstacles in life. I don’t know if she can see me from down here but I just want to do everything I can to make ... Read More »
Editor’s note: Slavery is an integral part of the American story and those who were forced to come to the US in chains, are no less immigrants than any other group. Not only was their freedom taken, but in many cases, their personal family history was lost. On this web site of immigration stories, we pick up their descendants’ story ... Read More »
Born on February 28, 1961, Shahe Krakirian began his life in Beirut, Lebanon living in a small apartment in with his whole family. He shared a room with his two younger brothers. Though they sometimes got into verbal arguments, and even occasional physical fights, his younger brothers were two of his closest friends during his childhood. It was not as ... Read More »
“In just four years in college, I got 26 gold medals!” Simon Park (name has been changed) looked at the people at the table before him in silence, expecting wonder and praise. “What, did you steal them from first graders?” The table, where Simon’s three sons and wife were sitting, burst into laughter, while he sighed. However, he was happy; ... Read More »
Jean Lythcott was born and raised in England. In her small village, they spoke a dialect, and soon became bilingual speaking English at school, and dialect at home. She went to college, and she graduated with an honors degree in Botany with Chemistry. She became a teacher, and taught the sciences in secondary school for two years in England. ... Read More »
Hi, my name is Grace and 47 years ago I moved here to America with my husband, Henry; son, Sam; and daughter, Sarah, from South Korea. I remember – in South Korea – the blossoming Cherry Tree in the courtyard and all the dogs sleeping, like they always did. The room that we always held our parties and weekly dinners ... Read More »
Imagine someone came to you in the morning and said, “We don’t like your politics. We think that you’re plotting to overthrow the government….’” So now you’re in jail for 180 days, in terrible circumstances. At the end of 180 days, they can say, “Okay, you’re being released.” Your family are waiting outside in the car to take you home. As you’re getting into the car somebody walks up to you and says, ... Read More »
I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and came to live in the United States in 1955. My immigration status then was “spouse of an American Citizen.” I studied English at a women’s college in Tokyo known for its excellent English studies program, and after graduation, I worked as interpreter/translator for the occupation personnel under General MacArthur in Tokyo ... Read More »