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Avery Moore
avery.moore@uga.edu Third Year Double Major in Psychology and Human Development & Family Science How did I get involved with IMPACT?
I first got involved in IMPACT my freshman year when I attended the Rural Shelter and Resource Access trip to New River Valley, Virginia. After that one week, I was completely hooked! IMPACT was the first time I truly got to see what intentional and sustainable service can look like for college students and local communities, and the social justice component of the organization drew me in. Last year, I co-led the Youth Empowerment trip to Greenville, South Carolina and got to experience IMPACT as a Site Leader. My favorite part about IMPACT is the bonds that you’re able to form with your co-Site Leader and the other participants. I’ve made some of my closest friends through IMPACT, and there’s something incredibly special about being able to bond through serving others! Why am I interested in my trip focus? I was initially drawn to social issues concerning immigrants and refugees because I knew little about the topic and it was becoming increasingly relevant. I felt a personal responsibility to learn more about the experience of refugees and immigrants, especially because my mother is an immigrant herself. I also find this topic to be fascinating because it has so many layers to it. There’s certainly a political and economic side to refugee resettlement and immigration, but there’s also a more emotional side that focuses on identity and how people learn to adapt to a new culture while staying connected with their own. It seems as though there’s a rabbit hole when it comes questions surrounding the issue- how do we make refugees and immigrants feel welcome, be integrated successfully, and hold influence in the United States? How do we pick resettlement communities, and how feasible is it to do so? I’m hoping to gain some perspective on these questions and many more, and hopefully see the issue from multiple angles. Fun fact! Gordon Ramsay is my celebrity icon. I’m a pretty mediocre cook, but I always feel more inspired and driven to make decent meals when I imagine Gordon Ramsay yelling at me to make sure my food isn’t raw. |
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Tseyon Sisay
tseyonss@uga.edu Third Year Double Major in Economics and International Affairs How did I get involved with IMPACT?
My first IMPACT trip was to Nashville, Tennessee during the spring break of my freshman year. I participated in the Gender Appreciation trip where we focused on gender equality, women’s rights, and issues within the LGBTQIA community. Although I thought I was very knowledgeable about the topic, I learned so much more through the different service sites and discussions my group engaged in. IMPACT created a completely different learning environment that encouraged me to think outside of my comfort zone and build a community amongst strangers. Why am I interested in my trip focus? Immigration has always played a large role in my family. Both of my parents came to the U.S. as refugees from Ethiopia, and my oldest brother immigrated to the U.S. almost 15 years later. As a first-generation American, I’ve seen the way immigration has shaped my life and bringing my family together. Refugee resettlement is also currently turning the media out with its political, economic, and social aspects. There are many different refugee populations and each one has a unique experience living in the U.S. This is not just an issue in the U.S., but global one too! It's incredibly important to understand the world around us and learn how we can be more informed citizens on issues that affect others. Fun fact! I’ve never been to Disney World! |
Refugee Resettlement and Immigration: What is it?
The refugee resettlement process involves the relocation of individuals from their home country to another state in order to escape persecution or violence. Resettlement can also incorporate assimilation to a new community, access to important resources (education, economic opportunities, healthcare), and potentially permanent residence. Immigration is the movement of individuals from one state to another. Unlike refugees, immigrants often move by choice. However, both groups experience discrimination and face the challenges of assimilating to a new country.
Key TermsImmigrant
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How are refugees admitted into the U.S.?
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Clarkston, GA: The most diverse square mile in America
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The Clarkston, GA Community
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Refugees: Fast Facts
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Refugees & Immigrants in Athens
The state of Georgia overall has been very accepting of refugees. However, Athens specifically does not have a large refugee population. In 2014, Athens-Clarke county made efforts to move 150 refugees into the area. However, Athens struggles to allocate its resources for the new population and catering to the needs of those individuals. Schools in the area also struggle to push students that are not proficient in English to succeed and perform well on state mandated tests. In Athens alone, we can see how certain communities can have a hard time catering to the needs of refugees and assisting them with the resettlement process. To read more, click here.
Intersectionality
Intersectionality- how our overlapping identities shape our different experiences
How does intersectionality relate with our refugee resettlement and immigration focus?
How does intersectionality relate with our refugee resettlement and immigration focus?
