Conference

Immigration Narratives of Iowa State Students and Faculty

---

Abstract

This panel offers personal narratives centering on the immigration experience of ISU students, faculty, and staff. Although each individual’s immigration experience can vary vastly and is often shaped by the circumstances in their country of origin as well as their gender, religious, ethnic, and orientation identity, an over arching theme can be found when speaking with individuals who crossed borders and settled in a new culture and home. A desire to find a community, to belong, to make an impact, to succeed--all of these aspects are common themes in most immigration narratives. At a time when immigration plays a significant role in American politics and immigrants are often talked about without being a part of the conversation, it is all the more critical to open up the dialogues on campus to include the voices of immigrants. By speaking about their lived experiences, the faculty and students participating in this presentation offer a safe space to discuss personal immigration narratives in an effort to foster greater understanding, empathy, and inclusion on our campus.