New Beginnings
Benod, 17, is from a small village in Nepal. Growing up, he played soccer with his three younger brothers, and loved to swim in a river near his home with his two best friends. When he learned his family would be moving to Columbus, he was thrilled. “I was only a little sad to leave my home because I was mostly excited to come to America. I have the opportunity to get a good education here.” Upon arriving, Benod’s romanticized vision of the United States floated back down to earth when he saw Columbus. “It’s not as big as I thought it would be.”
Nevertheless, Benod is enjoying his new life here. He arrived last year, and started school at the Columbus Global Academy right away. The Global Academy is a school of about 500 students that gives special attention to youth coming from other countries. Most students stay at the academy for one or two years before they are placed in a traditional middle or high school. At the Global Academy, Benod perfected his English and between history and science classes, discovered his love for math. “Algebra is my favorite.” Benod speaks highly of his teachers at Global Academy. “They are helpful when you make mistakes. But they give a lot of homework.” All that homework has prepared him well, as Benod will graduate from his time at Global Academy, and begin classes at a local high school this August.
“I am nervous to start classes at a new school, with all American students. I have made many friends at Global Academy, from all over—Somalia, Iraq, Latin America.” He does miss his friends from Nepal, though. “One of them is in Akron, Ohio and the other is in Colorado. I have not met any friends here that are as close to me as those guys. We are like this,” he says as he crosses his fingers firmly.
While Benod’s life experiences are especially unique, he still shares typical interests with his American peers. He loves playing basketball, watching horror movies, and listening to pop music. He wants to be a physician when he’s older, but until then, he is making some money working at an office, where he’s learning how to use a computer. Benod’s nerves about starting at a new high school are typical for any teen attempting to find their niche, but from an outsider’s perspective, he shouldn’t worry about a thing when it comes to making friends. His playful demeanor and contagious smile make him very easy to talk to. He is a shining example of an eager student who is just beginning to harness his aspirations, as gracefully as any teenager can, by truly embracing the opportunities life in the US has to offer him. Best of luck to you this semester, Benod!
Written by CRIS Resettlement Intern Kelsey Ullom