Interview: Shala

For my interview, I chose to talk to a family friend, a very good friend of my mom who is not a refugee but was taken from her home country at a young age without being accustomed to the culture. Her name is Shala and she is originally from Iran. She left when her father chose to move countries.

What does being an immigrant/refugee mean to you?

“Having more opportunities in the U.S.A. as well as having the freedom to vote”

What was the most important thing to you that you had to leave behind (if any) in your home country?

“The most important thing I had to leave behind was family.”

What would you say was an important part of keeping your culture alive when you sought refuge in another country?

“I was young when I came over. My culture was not as important. I adapted to American ways.”

How does your family’s experience of growing up right now compare to your experience growing up? Is it harder/easier?

“I had more opportunities. Not oppressed being a female; it was easier.”

Was it a choice to seek refuge / immigrate to the United States, or was it the only option country-wise? 

“I had no choice. I came to live with my father and his new family.”

What circumstances caused you to leave your home country?

“Living with my father.”

What was your childhood like?

“Once I got to the States, eye-opening. My father still held Persian values.”

What was the biggest struggle of being a refugee? 

“Language. I had to learn English.”

What is it like seeing your country in headlines struggling from a faraway perspective? 

“Happy to be gone. It is nothing like I remembered.”

How do you react to common stereotypes of people from your country and/or the country itself? 

“I understand the stereotype because of the country, but not everyone is like that from Iran.”

What was it like living through the time your country was going through and how did that differ from the past or the present? 

“The country was grand. Now it is oppressed.”

What was the biggest cultural shock/difference you experienced?

“Language, freedom.”

What opportunities did immigration give to you? 

“Family, a voice, rights, opening my own business.”