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Lily Pond's avatar

I read this during my trip but was too sick to write a comment. I want to say how much I enjoyed reading your experience. It brought back memories of my first days at the vast university campus I arrived at, when I was just 18. I recognized the bewilderment and the relief when I got help to settle in. I also reemember how home sick I was. Back in the day (1990), there was no cell phone, no Internet, just the pay phone, and I had to find a way to call long distance. As soon as I got on the phone with my father, I could not stop crying! I look forward to reading more about your experience as an immigrant.

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Doga Ozturk's avatar

Thank you so much Louisa! I really appreciate it. And I hope you are feeling better now!

Yes, I was lucky in that sense because I had a cell phone and could contact my parents back home more easily. I think each generation of immigrants has their own advantages and disadvantages. It may be something to think about.

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Lily Pond's avatar

Thank you, Doga. I'm gradually feeling better, but not 100% well yet.

What you wrote about each generation of immigrants having advantages and disadvantages is an interesting thought. I think about the hand-written letters exchanged between me and my parents in those days. Alas, I haven't kept any of them due to my frequent moves across continents. I look back in awe (of the patience required to wait for letters), and in nostalgia (handwritten letters are just so nice!).

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