International Newcomer Profiles

Where are you from?

I’m from Yangzhou, China.

What was it like growing up?

When growing up I was always being told I need to study hard so I can go to college and find a decent job. I felt a lot of competition pressure and not much personal interest developing opportunity until I went to college in Beijing.

What brought you to Cleveland?

New opportunities and my husband is from Cleveland.

What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?

I came to United States is to build a happy family and that hasn’t changed.

What challenges did you face transitioning here?

The challenges are/were language barriers, culture difference, different mindset/values, not easy to find a good job.

What is your occupation?

I’m working as a Mandarin Immersion Teacher at GALA.

How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?

Our family and friends here are very kind and welcoming. We were invited to have dinner with them and they helped us to settle down at the first few weeks when we arrived here. Also my colleagues at GALA are very resourceful and knowledgeable helping me to know this area.

What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?

I speak Mandarin Chinese and celebrate Chinese holidays with my family and friends.

What do you love about Cleveland?

My family recently attended the Night Market in Cleveland. That was a great example to show Cleveland cares and supports different communities. Clevelanders present their culture in many ways. I like the diversity that all the International Newcomer ancestors have brought to Cleveland. Clevelanders are trying hard to keep their traditions so it can be passed down to their next generations. As an International Newcomer I value that very much. That is how we make the community colorful and rich. People feel their roots are here.

Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?

In my opinion International Newcomers can bring diversity that can benefit Cleveland in many ways.

Where are you from?

I am from Venezuela

What was it like growing up?

Growing up in Venezuela was great until I graduated from college. Government changed and most of the young professionals started looking for a way to get out of the country either to improve their education or just to emigrate because of lack to jobs.

What brought you to Cleveland?

Cleveland opened another job’s door for me.

What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?

Yes, those thought definitely changed. I had come to America a few times as tourist and I thought life in this country was easier. When I came to study I realized that living here it was totally different. One of my experiences were to see people not being patient to listen to my accent or to answer any questions I had. Throughout the 22 years I have been living in this country I have witnessed a lot of changes. I think 9-11 changed many people’s point of view of International Newcomers living in this country specially changed their view about Latinos.I have been discriminated against at work because I spoke my native language and I have also been discriminated for my accent.

What challenges did you face transitioning here?

When I came to Cleveland I decided to continue taking the prerequisite courses I needed to be able to apply to the Master for Speech Language Pathologist Program. I took two courses at Cleveland State University during Spring 2016. I started having problems with one of the courses. I decided to reach out to the teacher so I would have a better understanding of the situation. The professor didn’t like me since the beginning. He was very rude and treated me as a Special Education student. In one of my visits to his office, he suggested me to go to see my doctor because he thought I had learning disabilities or speech problems. Therefore, I would need a note from the doctor so I could barely get D as a grade. It did not matter how hard I worked for that course he finally gave me an F as a grade. Most of my classmates were caucasian, one African American, and I was the only Latina in the course. Last day of class, my classmates commented the difference on the treatment they received from him and comparing to the one he had toward me. I have never felt so discriminated during my years living in this country.

What is your occupation?

I am the Site Coordinator for Luis Muñoz Marín Dual Language Academy.

How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?

I have mixed feelings about the Clevelanders. Some of them have been nice while some others has been rude making fun of me criticizing my accent in English.

What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?

I keep my roots as Latina and (Sephardic Jew), my way of cooking, and I keep eating my Venezuelan-Mediterranean food.

What do you love about Cleveland?

I love the museums, and how Clevelanders are so passionate about their local sport teams. I admire the fact that it does not matter in what part of U.S they would live, they still feel like a Clevelander.

Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?

When we leave our countries, we come with a lot of dreams and expectations to start a new life full of opportunities. As International Newcomers, we have to make a tough decision of leaving our parents, brothers and sisters, husband, wife, and children behind not knowing when we’ll be able to see them again. When an individual emigrate to another place could feel homesick, depressed and sometimes disoriented.

What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?

I think the Community organizations should start working together creating an educational campaign. There should be like a coalition including religious organizations, local government, police department, post office, and the local media to inform Clevelanders about the future International Newcomers coming to this city. That way people will stop being judgemental about foreigners. Also, the city should provide a flyer or booklet with information for International Newcomers in different languages where they will be able to find the list of resources they could reach out.

Where are you from?

India but now I am a US citizen

What is your occupation? 

I am retired, but I also teach junior achievement, global marketing and global entrepreneurship. I also do a lot of medical camps with my wife where we go to Mexico, Haiti, Honduras, Ecuador, Uganda, Kenya and India.

What was it like growing up?

I come from a low middle class family, my parents were farmers and money lenders. I grew up in a small village known as a Bardoli, India, with only 10k people. We had very few resources, no library no sports no entertainment.

Why did you choose Cleveland?

When I came to US, I came to Champagne Illinois for your masters in electrical engineering. Then I got a job in Wisconsin. I worked there for 6 years then I went back to India for a few years. When I came back, 1970 I got a job in Wickliffe Ohio. Since then I’ve been in Cleveland.

What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?

I came with a dream, that they highways are paved with gold and life would be very easy and you can make lots of money. I never realized it would be a lot of hard work. My vision has changed, I’ve learned that if you’re willing to work hard the rewards are there. This is a free country you can enjoy freedom at every point and every place but you have to earn the respect of your community. You cannot be isolated in a cubby hole coming from a different country and expect and the community to be welcome, you have to get engaged and life and people will be very fair to you.

What challenges did you face transitioning here?

1. I grew up with British systems so my English was different from American English.
2. I was a vegetarian I had a lot challenges selecting food once I arrived here. There wasn’t a lot of vegetarians in the 60’s
3. I had to learn the basics of sports, I didn’t understand. It took me 4 or 5 years to get use to it.

What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?

We have an Indian Association in Cleveland with 10k people and we follow Indian holidays. We have temples so we go regularly to practice our religion.

How have Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?

Cleveland is an amazing city. I was welcomed and able to engage with the white and minority community. That really helped me. They were cooperative and helped me professionally.

What do you love about Cleveland?

I love that Cleveland Cavs are the champions. I love the Indians, I followed a lot when they played at Jacobs Field. I love the Browns, the arts and museums. I love parade the circle.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Cleveland?

I love the local Indian and Mexican restaurants. They have spicy food. I go to Saffron Patch.

Why is it important to welcome International Newcomers?

Our country, USA is huge smorgasbord of International Newcomers. They bring so many ideas and energy to create jobs, create products, create wealth and that’s our main strength, the International Newcomers landscape.

Where are you from?

My name is Shamalee Lovelace, I was born and raised in a small community known as Ritchies located in Clarendon, Jamaica.

What was it like growing up?

When people hear of Jamaica they think of the beaches and having a good time but that is not always the case. Jamaica was my home for 14 years of my life and I would not change that for anything. Growing up I have faced some hard times especially financially.

Example: 1st Jamaica high school system and above is not free, it requires tuition to attend.

2nd You need money to make uniforms, in which case, everyone is wearing the same color and style for school and it’s definitely mandatory.

3rd Bus fare, I would take 2 or 3 transportation to school and there is no such thing as bus pass like what we have in the United States. For each transportation ride, it requires separate payments.

4th Lunch money

Even though I grew up in a poor country, we Jamaicans are survivors. I grew up in a community of farmers (The most common occupation in Jamaica) and we eat what we grow. My family and I did not let anything bother us when hard times hit us, we continue to be “irie,” which means everything is all right. This is a motto that Jamaicans live by even when they might not have all the things they need or want, but we appreciate everything.

I grew up in a religious home where we practice Christianity. I also grew up in a strict home; Jamaican parents are by nature very strict. In my household on a school night my sister and I were unable to watch television or go out, because what we had to do for school was the most important thing in our parent eyes. They also expected us to do our chores such as, making our beds, washing the dishes, and sometimes cook. This type of behavior is normal for the typical Jamaican household.

Why did you #Choose CLE (what brought you to Cleveland)?

Coming to Cleveland was not by choice of my own. My Grandfather lived in Cleveland and he was the one who filed for both his 6 kids and 6 grandkids to come to Cleveland and live with him.

What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?

My first thoughts coming to Cleveland was that it was so beautiful with the high rise buildings, good roads, lots of highway, and not to mention the amazing white snow. This was a change from the hot sun, the beaches, and nature (animals and trees).

My thoughts have not change but because I got so use to my surroundings I do not feel that wow factor anymore.

What challenges did you face transitioning here?

I came to the US in February 2005 when I was 14; couple months before my 15th birthday. I was scared to be enrolled in the United States school system but unfortunately it was not hard to make friends. I came to realize that the Americans are very fascinated about my country Jamaica (the food, music, language, and especially the dancing). The only challenge I faced was that both the Americans and I had a very thick accent. Most of the time I have to repeat myself and vise-versa which makes me a bit irritated and uncomfortable to speak. I did not speak to my classmates for a year because of my thick Jamaican accent, which the Americans love but I was new and I wanted to get to know them better.

The transition was not so difficult to adjust to because Jamaicans do wear the same clothes as the Americans, Jamaicans do eat fast foods (we don’t rely on it however), and we speak the same language. The only big transition for me was relocating to a different country and making new friends.

What is your occupation?

I am an Administrative Assistant at the law firm of Margaret Wong and Associates, LLC.

How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?

I feel welcomed by the Clevelanders because they love and embrace where I am from, they do not judge me they appreciate me, and they do not manipulate me they teach me.

What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?

The traditions or customs I continue to practice are going to church most Sunday’s, have family gatherings, still eat Jamaican foods, speak the Jamaican language in the household (creole/patois), and listen to Jamaican music.

What do you love about Cleveland?

What I love about Cleveland is that it is very diverse, even though you can find that in every state. I love how passionate they are about sports and how it brings everyone close together. I also love Cleveland because it’s the only place I truly know and it’s my second home where all my family lives.

Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?

There are many opportunities for those who are willing to make a better life for themselves here in the United States. Education is affordable and government assistance is available when it comes to housing and food and much more. America has the resources to help those in need and International Newcomers are no exception.

International Newcomers are a very important part of America’s history and how they contribute to the growth of America. They are very driven and hardworking people who are trying to make a better life for themselves, their family, and for their future generations. They are human beings and they want the same goals as any Americans, so we should embrace them with open arms and treat them with the respect that they deserve.

What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?

I think Cleveland is on the right track by showcasing diversity. Cleveland is a very “colorful” metropolis but it’s actually quite segregated. Everyone tends to stay on “their” side of town.

However, I have learned that Clevelanders have a spirit that is unbreakable and the love they have for their city is unmatched. They have gone through a lot over the years, from economic struggles to professional sports struggles and they still stand strong in their confidence and hope in their city. And that attitude is contagious.

There is a lot of criticisms and misconceptions about Cleveland and I adamantly found myself defending it. Cleveland has beautiful landscapes, fun parks, historical citing, wonderful schools, etc. Moreover, the city of Cleveland is full of courageous, loyal, and determining people; thus, makes Cleveland a more welcoming place to visit or lived.

Where are you from?

I am from the Netherlands (“Holland” is the other name for my country)

What was it like growing up?

Wonderful, the Netherlands is a very rich country and has a strong safety net with excellent healthcare and low-cost universities to name a few benefits

What brought you to Cleveland?

Initially an athletic scholarship to play D-1 field-hockey in college. I then returned to the Netherlands and came back again because my husband is American.

What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?

I came to Ohio with ambivalent feelings, life was good in my home country and I had no economic reason to move. I consider myself more an “international” or “expat”. However, I have come to appreciate Northeast Ohio very much, people here are polite & easy going and the cost of housing is low

What challenges did you face transitioning here?

Ignorance:I have had to combat the notion that, somehow, I must have come from a disadvantaged country…. some people that are not well-educated and don’t travel internationally still view the US as the only viable nation to live a good life and do not realize that there are other great countries to live, work & play. People have options. The US is a great nation but there are other great countries to live as well.

What is your occupation?

I am an economic developer charged with promoting Northeast Ohio to the rest of the industrialized world to attract new foreign business investment

How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?

Everyone has been very nice.

What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?

Many, including holidays, dining and cultural traditions. I helped found the Cleveland Dutch School for instance.

What do you love about Cleveland?

It has a rich industrial history and was the Silicone Valley of yester-year; the old industrial wealth & history of invention & innovation are remarkable and make Cleveland special

Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?

Stagnant water becomes putrid: new people from different parts of the world, willing to work hard & provide different ideas will enrich any community, especially those that have enjoyed a good education and can help transfer that knowledge and apply it locally

What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?

Truly embrace all internationals and include the expat community, not just those that came here for a better life

Where are you from?

I was born in a town called Bender (pronounced Been-dair), which is in the country of Moldova, which borders Russia, Romania, Ukraine and the Black Sea.

What was it like growing up?

Tough to assimilate. Tried hard to. Hated being different.

What brought you to Cleveland?

I came over with my family in 1979 at the age of 4, settled in Cleveland along with thousands of other Soviet Jews who immigrated to Cleveland that year as part of a Soviet program that opened the gates for a limited period of time, and eventually and slowly (like most of my fellow International Newcomers) made the trek eastward from inner city East Cleveland to Cleveland Heights to South Euclid to Lyndhurst and then eventually Chagrin Falls (hard to go further east than that…).

What were your first thoughts about coming to America?

Did those change? Since I was only 4, all I could think about was fitting in. I recently wrote about it in a book I’ve been chipping away at for a few years: “That feeling of being different and being judged, meanwhile, would follow me for years. Most International Newcomers have felt it, and if you’re a kid, all you ever want to do is fit in, so you feel different and like a total idiot for years. And after awhile, after you’ve mimicked your friends well enough and watched enough tv and feel finally assimilated, and after you think your friends finally see you as one of them, as no different than them, and as you finally start getting into their stupid little made-up clubs and start getting invited to places, your parents show up. And they open their mouths and talk. And instantly everyone knows they’re International Newcomers, and they automatically know that you’re an International Newcomers, too. And there’s nothing in the world that will prevent you from feeling different because you are different and you’ll always be different. You’re certain you’ll never be one of them. You’ll never really be accepted. You’ll always be different. You’ll never really be in the club. And then after that tidal wave of shame washes over you for being different, a second, even greater tsunami of shame knocks you down for being ashamed of your parents, because deep down inside, although you hate them for sticking out like a sore thumb and outing you in front of your friends, you know they’re the greatest people in the world and would cut off their own arms and legs for you if that would make you feel more accepted.”

What challenges did you face transitioning here?

Again, as a kid, it was all about assimilation. I learned the language pretty quickly. Our family had little money, though, so we went without the finer things for awhile. That was also a plus, though, as we learned growing up that you could survive just fine without those things.

What is your occupation?

I am a business lawyer and owner of the Gertsburg Law Firm. For more information visit: https://www.gertsburglaw.com 

How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?

Not sure. It’s been so long… I’m sure everyone was helpful though.

What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?

We drink vodka! Seriously, though, we go to the various Russian restaurants in town pretty frequently. We stay close with other Russian friends that we’ve been friends with my whole life. We go to bar mitzvahs and weddings and funerals, all of which have their own Jewish and Russian rituals associated with them. My own family – my wife and 3 children – are not very religious and don’t maintain a lot of Russian traditions. My wife does more than I do anyway.

What do you love about Cleveland?

It’s growth in recent years. It’s “comeback” story. It’s lakeshore. It’s communities – Chagrin Falls, Tremont, Waterloo, downtown.

Why is Global Cleveland a great resource?

Networking and job listings are key for International Newcomers coming to the US. There is no question that making a living and feeding your family are top of mind for newcomers.

Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?

Diversity, definitely. We live in a bubble. The best minds are those that expand their perspectives and apply different experiences. There is a reason why so many entrepreneurs are foreign-born, and why so many employers benefit from foreign-born employees.

What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?

I would create a board made up entirely of business owners who immigrated here from abroad, have them meet once a month or once a quarter to brainstorm the answer to that question, then create specific action items and a 1-, 2- and 5-year strategic plan.

Where are you from?

Singapore

What was it like growing up?

Growing up in Singapore was exciting – racial riots, communist insurgency, independence, British withdrawal, industrialization, urbanization, rapid modernization, rigorous school system, compulsory military service, law and order, growth of an international financial center, one of the busiest ports in the world.

What brought you to Cleveland?

Cleveland is a small city and its suburban school system was good for my daughter.

What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?

America is the center of the universe. It is heaven on earth. Everybody still wants to come to America, its dynamism, self-renewal, innovation and creativity through International Newcomers keeps America young.

What challenges did you face transitioning here?

Recognition of foreign law degree. Outdated system that makes it difficult for foreign law degree holders to stay. My degree was from United Kingdom. Still it was difficult.

What is your occupation?

Legal Assistant/Community Outreach Representative with Margaret Wong Law firm

How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?

Generally, my fellow Clevelanders are very warm and welcoming. As a former elected official, I have made a number of house visits. They were all good.

What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?

Cleveland hosts two Gurudwaras, Sikh places of worship, in its suburbs of Bedford and Richfield. Richfield is the oldest in Ohio and Bedford is the largest. Interestingly, I became a born-again Sikh in Cleveland.

What do you love about Cleveland?

What is there not to love about Cleveland – RNC Convention, access to great lakes, Rock & Roll Museum, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, one of the oldest Chinatown in America, Cleveland Cavs, Lebron James, no traffic, snow.

Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?

Cleveland needs International Newcomers – our population has gone down from 1 million to less than 400k, also its aging; we need International Newcomers to reverse the increase in dependency ratio – more seniors depending on a declining workforce, we also need International Newcomers to attract high-tech industries, we need investors to create jobs for Americans, we need entrepreneurs to create jobs, we need international students to work in our STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics based industries. Look at the city’s regrowth in University Circle in a few years – expansion of CASE University with the recruitment of international students.

What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?

Cleveland needs more international events like Indian International Film Festival to attract the biggest movie industry in the world, its Bollywood not Hollywood, which produces 1,000 movies per year to do location shooting here/we need international flights connecting to Asia, if we don’t want to miss the fruits of globalization/we need to hold events to attract International Newcomers like Cleveland International Soccer Competition and promote foreign languages in our school systems like Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin, Arabic, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Urdu, Farsi, Pashtoo, Tamil, Vietnamese, Thai.

Where are you from?

My name is Seyma Saritoprak and I am from Istanbul ,Turkey.

What is your occupation?

PhD Student -at Case Western University-Clinical Psychology

What was it like growing up?

Growing up in the United States was a unique experience because I was not only from a different ethnic background, but also from a different faith background than the majority of the population. I would often get comments of questions regarding where I was from and what I believed in. At first I wanted to be like everyone else, however, as I grew up I realized the importance of diversity and took pride in my background. To this day, being different than others has positively influenced how I developed my identity as a Muslim woman living in the United States.

What brought you to Cleveland?

I came to Cleveland when I was in7th grade due to my father’s new job. Therefore, I did not have a say in coming to Cleveland. However, since the earliest days I have come to make great friendships and love Cleveland.

What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?

When we first arrived to US, I was only 6 years old. I remember that everyone around me was speaking a different language that I could not understand. I felt scared at times but because of my connection with my family, I never felt alone. Gradually, I learned the English language and the American culture. My thoughts since childhood have definitely changed. I came to incorporate and assimilate the American views and values into my own beliefs and practices and became more comfortable with those around me.

What challenges did you face transitioning here?

I would say the biggest challenge I have faced living in the United States as been living as female Muslim without feeling judged or associated with terrorism by others. Unfortunately, the media shows Muslims in such violent and hatred manners that some Americans have become fearful of Muslims. This only perpetuates polarization among individuals of different backgrounds. Nevertheless, I have noticed that the more people get to know me and my values, the more they realize how more alike we are than different. This gives me hope that through friendship and dialogue we can truly get to know one another.

How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?

Cleveland is a great city with people of many backgrounds. People are aware of the importance of diversity and are open in discussing global issues. I have felt very welcomed here in Cleveland. Because of the authenticity of friendship of Clevelanders, Cleveland has become my second home.

What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?

First, because I am a practicing Muslim, I practice the things modesty in clothing and praying five times a day. In addition, we celebrate two major religious holidays every year. The first one is celebrating the end of Ramadan, which is the month in which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. This celebration is called eid al fitr. The second one we celebrate is the festival of the sacrifice which is calle id al adha. During these times, we get together with family and friends. We visit each other’s homes and celebrate the holidays together. And of course, we eat many delicious Turkish food!

What do you love about Cleveland?

What I love most about Cleveland is the people, food and Metroparks.

What is your favorite thing to do in Cleveland?

We love spending time at Edgewater park when the weather is nice. We go on walks and have picnics with families.

What is the best thing about living in Cleveland?

The best thing about living in Cleveland is that it has a city feeling, however, it’s not huge enough where you feel overwhelmed by the city life. It also has great suburbs that make Clevelanders have a taste of the country life.

Why is Global Cleveland a great resource?

Global Cleveland is great resource because it provides a platform from which people of varying backgrounds can connect and interact. Through organizations such as Global Cleveland, people have the opportunity to not only know more about a different faith or tradition, but also interact and create innovate ideas together to advance and globalize Cleveland.

Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?

International Newcomers can bring a sense of intellectual diversity. When we are around other that act, think, and look like us, we will never develop creative innovative ideas. However, when we bring people of different backgrounds into our cities and businesses, it opens up a whole array of opportunities to flourish as a city, both economically and culturally.

What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?

I suggest promoting more interfaith and intercultural events. In addition, I suggest opening up business that promote getting to know different cultures such as more ethnic restaurants and shops!

Where are you from?

Karachi, Pakistan

What was it like growing up?

It was very different than what it is now. I grew up in a city that is now 24 million people. I think, when I was living there, it was four million.

What brought you to Cleveland?

I had a sister who had gotten married. She and her husband immigrated to the Cleveland area (Westlake). I followed them here soon after, in 1972.

What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?

The thing that I was pleasantly surprised about was how green Cleveland was. I came here in the summer, and it was beautiful. I had never been alone until I moved to the United States. I grew up with five sisters. I was the only son. So, I was a little overprotected growing up. I had never even warmed the water to make a cup of tea before. There was a cultural shock.

What challenges did you face transitioning here?

I didn’t have a tremendous amount of challenges, because I spoke English.

What is your occupation?

I’m an Executive Director with Morgan Stanley. I’ve worked at Morgan Stanley for 36 years.

How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?

I’m a Muslim. Since 9/11, there have been times when people say things that are pretty hurtful. It’s been a struggle, because people don’t understand that Pakistan is a very large country with a huge population, so it’s not the same everywhere.

What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?

We have our Independence Day celebrations. The Pakistani American community in Cleveland is large enough that we are able to get together often.

What do you love about Cleveland?

Cleveland has all of the facilities of a major city at half the price. All the major sporting events and entertainment at very reasonable prices. Most people don’t experience that in big cities.

Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?

Most people think of America as a melting pot. I don’t like that term. America is more like a salad. Each of the distinctive pieces have a different taste and color, They are separate, but work very well when they come together. The diversity of thinking that comes from different parts of the world makes this country what it is. International Newcomers leave their country for economic reasons, for freedom, for all different reasons. The people who immigrate are the ones who are willing to take the risk to go to a whole new world that they don’t know much about, and have no idea what it will be like. They come here to make their dreams come true, because that’s what America is.

What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?

We need to look at International Newcomers as people who will help us make this city and country great by their involvement and their cultural and societal changes that they bring with them, rather than being a burden. I think we need to, as a city, educate our elected officials, police officers, and all of the other people who come into contact with International Newcomers, so they are aware of the cultural differences that exist. There are parts of the world where it is considered impolite to look a respected person in the eye. Here in the United States, if you don’t look someone in the eye, it’s considered that you’re hiding something.

Where are you from?

I’m from China; and have been living in Canada for the past 3 years.

What was it like growing up?

I was brought up in a city in the northeast part of China, where winter gets very cold, but summer stays relatively cool. I lived with my grandparents for a few years, before returning to my parents’ for primary school. As a child, I read a lot of picture books, did lots of hiking, and also studied very hard. Food was always a nice part of my memory, I still miss the local snacks from my hometown.

Why did you #ChooseCLE (what brought you to Cleveland)?

I moved here with my husband. He got a good job opportunity, so we decided to move here together.

What were your first thoughts about coming to America? Did those change?

The first place I visited was Detroit. It’s got some nice museums, and I had great fun visiting the Detroit Institution of Arts. However, the economy did not seem to be recovering so well from the previous strikes. Compared to that first impression, Cleveland’s got more vitality. I like how it’s more alive in a variety of ways. There’s certainly more functioning businesses, more cultural/historical sites, and more International Newcomers.

What challenges did you face transitioning here?

I was lucky enough to be living in Canada for a while, so language is not really a barrier for me, like it might be for many other new International Newcomers. However, the United States is still different from Canada, traffic rules for example. Some challenges I face are filing all the paperwork properly, trying to find a job in this country, and getting used to the environment and weather.

What is your occupation?

New employee with Global Cleveland (Yeah!)

How have other Clevelanders made you feel welcomed?

When I first moved here, I got lost a lot on the buses. Whenever I told the drivers that I’m new to Cleveland, they have always been very understanding and helpful. They would explain to me where to get off, and which bus to catch, and also say welcome to me. That was nice.

What traditions or customs do you continue to practice?

I mostly cook Chinese food at home, and my husband loves it.

What do you love about Cleveland?

It’s got good vibes. This is a city that packs in many cultures, which makes it feel more alive.

Why is it so important to welcome International Newcomers?

Because they come to the country with goodwill and they all hope for a better future. When they have this in mind, they bring in all kinds of assets to the society (culturally and financially etc).

What suggestions do you have to make Cleveland a more welcoming community?

Hold more events like the recent Asian Festival. Give different communities a chance to express their voice.