Narratives of Immigration Seminar Students Complete Story Collection Project

By Katie Kasperson ’17, Marketing and Communications Intern

Students in Clare MacKenzie’s English seminar, Narratives of Immigration, connected with family and friends during an otherwise isolating time by conducting virtual interviews. While the course is centered around immigration, this project covered a range of topics, including quarantine, college, childhood, and more, with the overarching goal of sharing and preserving stories across generations. Ms. MacKenzie and her students drew inspiration from NPR’s StoryCorps. Students documented their conversations using Loom, a video and screen recording software, and uploaded them to a Google site.

Despite limitations on in-person interactions, the pandemic has seemingly inspired connections that otherwise may not have occurred. “I was just thinking about the bizarre year we’re all having, missing connections to so many family members but also developing uniquely close bonds… I wanted an assignment that recognized and embraced our situation,” MacKenzie said. 

Students were able to communicate with parents, grandparents, other relatives, and friends, not only to share stories but also to develop deeper relationships. Jenna Godleski ’22 talked with her grandmother about immigrating from Poland to the United States, learning the reasons behind the move, while Robert Bougazelli ’21 talked with his interviewee, Michel, about graduating college during a uniquely difficult year. Similarly, each interviewee was able to share their wisdom on a particular topic. Jodi, interviewed by Cara Savitz ’21, offered advice about the college selection process, how to handle homesickness, and ways to get involved in activities and activism. The mother of Ava Parker ’22, Jennifer, began working in a hospital during the pandemic and revealed her opinions on public health and safety. No matter the topic of discussion, each student gained a greater understanding not only of the person with whom they spoke but also of the endless variability in life experiences. 

Though this was an academic project, it was also an emotional one. “I hope that the assignment supported family connections in a time where those connections are absolutely vital,” said MacKenzie. While this pandemic has been far from ideal, it has forced us to both recognize and prioritize those already in our lives. Fortunately, they’re usually just a call away.