2023 Finding Balance

Throughout the development of the #MyStory program, we have frequently revised our objectives to accommodate a wide range of individuals, who often find their perspectives to be neglected. In past years, we have recorded the stories of older members of immigrant communities, believing their age to be equivalent to the quality of the story they can share.

We now believe this to be untrue, as the younger generations face adversity that, although different to that of their older counterparts, is unique to their age. For that reason, the 2022-2023 #MyStory program will address the stories of younger members of immigrant/refugee communities.

These individuals typically face the struggles of balancing their own culture with American culture. They also face hardships common among their peers such as balancing their academics with their own passions. The ways in which young people manage these struggles is unique to each individual’s background. As this year’s topic will henceforth be known as, it is simply a matter of Finding Balance.

For this year’s collection of stories, we have heard from foreign exchange students, high-schoolers, teachers, mothers, community leaders etc. Each of these individuals offered different and fascinating insights on their stories and their perspectives on the youth. Please take a moment to toggle through the stories and learn from the people we were so fortunate to work with.

Note: The photos in this year's selection of stories were submitted by the storytellers