Introduction
“The road is far for the traveler.” –Island 129[1]
Middle school students are on a journey, moving from childhood toward adulthood, goofiness toward maturity, and parental control toward autonomy. Many of my students also traverse cultures, living in multicultural communities and attending a diverse school. Relating to people with different backgrounds and experiences is a critical skill in these contexts. My students need to encounter stories of people from varied nations and cultures to approach classmates and community members empathetically. They deserve to explore their own identities and the ways politics and economics shaped their families’ journeys. By learning about the history of the United States immigration system through the lens of Asian immigration, reading immigrant memoirs, and discussing how government policies impact people’s lives, my students will gain confidence and compassion to navigate their life’s journey.
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