As we welcome many new neighbors into Maine, they're often asked to assimilate into Maine’s culture. However, an argument can be made that Mainers should adopt some of our new neighbors' culture as well! Diversity leads to more creativity/innovation, avoidance of groupthink, and makes us more open minded. This is why IWC created Humans of IWC (which is inspired by Humans of New York), a project where we share the inspiring stories and faces of the incredible individuals who come to the Immigrant Welcome Center. It is an opportunity to learn more about their resilience, strength, and unique experiences which many wouldn’t have the access to otherwise.

And what is a better way to understand and be inspired by one another than through storytelling? 

  This is Anastasia, an asylum seeker who arrived in America in July of 2022. She was a regular here at IWC, but has since moved on to Portland Adult Education.

Here is some highlights for our conversation:

"As much as I’m trying to grow into the American culture and understand why they do the things they do, you know, in order to fit in, I also want to remember how it is back home you know? Just to keep in touch with some of those roots. I wouldn’t say I grew up in a (traditional household). In Namibia we mostly spoke English at home, and I went to a white school, and my parents were trying to give me the best life…but the best is not always the correct one."

Q: What's the difference between schooling here and in Namibia?

A: There isn’t too much of a difference; I went to a white school, but the culture here is very different. Like we had very strict ways of doing things, and my brothers (who go to school here in the States) are so relaxed. We NEVER used tablets or any technology at all. It was all paper and your pen. You carry your backpack everywhere, and in class your hair had to look a certain way; it had to be short, and if not pulled back. If not that, you just had to chop it off. We couldn’t even color our hair! 

 Thank you, Anastasia, for doing this interview with us!

After this interview was conducted, Anastasia was hired as our Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator. Welcome to the team, Anastasia!