By Cheryl Bourassa | Program Manager
The process of acculturation is long and complex. The end goal of successful acculturation is not to become just exactly the same as someone whose family has been living in the U.S. for generations; rather, when done well, a newcomer feels at home in two cultures. She can access what is advantageous about American culture, but she does not give up those traits from her culture of origin that make her whole.
Sylvie is a young woman who demonstrates that it is possible to be fully bicultural. Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, she arrived in Concord, NH in January 2015 as a refugee. She is now a Junior at Concord High School. She takes Advanced Placement science classes and is an active member of Be the Change, a high school club that works to build bridges between students of different cultures. She has friends from Africa, Nepal, and Afghanistan, and she has friends who were born right here in Concord. Through NAA, she has begun the process of visiting colleges; the college that is lucky enough to enroll her will be richer for her presence.
Youth acquire language far more easily than do most adults. Working with Africans presents significant challenges because of the language barrier. We work with individuals who speak more than 20 different first languages. Sylvie is instrumental in helping us bridge that language barrier. We hold monthly African Council meetings, bringing together new Americans who want to have a voice in shaping their future. Sylvie has served as one of our translators. She is deeply respectful of African elders and is well regarded by the community. Concord is home to a low-income community garden that serves many refugee families. Sylvie volunteers her time to serve as a translator there as well. Because of her, Sycamore Community Garden Project can communicate with gardeners as they register. It is a joy to watch her move so smoothly from interacting with African adults to interacting with the host community manager of the garden. When thanked, she always says, "I am so happy to give back!" We are so happy that we have Sylvie in our community.
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