Fargo South Students Share Stories for the Journey to America Project

Twenty Fargo South students share their stories about coming to America.

In the Journey to America Project, English Language Learning, or ELL, students shared their own stories growing up and enduring hardships in foreign countries.

They also talked about the long journey to America and the difficulties adjusting to life in a new culture.

One student describes her hardships in an African refugee camp.  “It was hard because there’s no work, and they give us a little portion of food that we used and it’s not enough for us, so it’s really hard,” said Majda Hussein, a Fargo South student who relocated from Africa.

For many of these students, life in another country wasn’t just difficult, it was dangerous, which made the journey to this country so profound.

Majda then described one of the biggest differences between life in America and Africa.  “Like Walmart, everything is laying there, so you go and pick up, or someone tells you go and take this because it’s better than back home because we say in the window and ask for what you want and they give it to you.”

ELL teacher Leah Juelke told us the reason why she started this program last year. “The first goal was to incorporate narrative writing into the curriculum for the ELL students, so that’s how it started but we could choose any topic.  With the stories my students would tell me from day to day, just on the side, I thought what a wonderful way for them to share their stories.”

The students’ stories have also left a lasting impression on Juelke.  “Every day I learn something new myself, so every day I’m learning a new word in Nepali or I learn about a new tradition myself.  I just love to travel and to learn new things, of course I’m an educator, but that’s kind of my passion.”

The program is looking to expand at Fargo South and begin at Davies High School next year.

To read the stories of students, click here.