Personal Narrative: Immigrants And Refugees

My grandfather was born in Poland just before World War Two; as a young Jewish boy he was constantly bullied. When the Nazis invaded in the Fall of 1939, many of his childhood bullies became murderers. Although much of his family died in the following five years, luckily, he survived, maintained his Jewish faith, and became a doctor. My mother moved from Heidleberg to New York City as a young girl. The gigantic Jewish community of the big city helped them immensely while my grandfather got a degree in medicine.

Although I am now a Jewish atheist, many Rabbis and other religious leaders have shaped my thinking. When my Orthodox uncles visit from Europe, they bring many facets of dedicated Jewish life that I am lacking. Aspects of many religions have entered my conscience and have left a lasting impression. Cleveland High School has many immigrants and refugees from East Africa. Many of them practice Islam and bring new ways of thinking to the school. Diversity makes our country unique. It is what makes our country great.
I've had many great friends who are heterosexual, but in high school, I often felt alienated.
Oftentimes, I was too boyish for the girls, too girly for the boys, and I spent a lot of time alone. Discovering the incredibly diverse queer community is what has allowed me to grow up. It has given me a sense of belonging and a group that will always be there for me.

Diversity has shaped the person I am today. Religious diversity influenced my life philosophy and has made me a more empathetic person. Diversity in sexual orientation has allowed me a group of open minded people to spend my days with. I feel fortunate everyday that every person isn't just like me: Jewish-American, middle class, Lesbian. How boring would that
be?