In an era where language barriers can often lead to isolation, these stories act as a powerful tool for human connection and mutual understanding.
Rima Alkhatib found peace — and quiet — in America.
She moved to the United States from Syria in 2023 and was immediately struck by the serenity of her new home.
“In my country, life is loud and full of people everywhere,” said Alkhatib, who takes English as a Second Language (ESL) classes at Milwaukee Area Technical College. “In America, everything is calmer. This felt strange to me at first, but I enjoy the peace.”
Alkhatib and nearly 240 of her fellow ESL students detailed their hopes, dreams, struggles and successes in the newest edition of “Sharing Our World,” a book celebrating their diversity and experiences as college students and immigrants.
The book project was started in 2020 by Erin Helland, lead faculty member in the college’s ESL program. The 2026 edition is the sixth to be printed and features stories by 239 students from 56 countries, Helland said. ESL student Adriana Sarabia Moreno, from Mexico, created the book’s cover art, while the work of Peru native Nils Mejia is featured on the back cover.
On Friday, May 8, 23 students who contributed to the book gathered at the MATC Education Center at Walker’s Square to read what they wrote for family, friends and guests. Many described their journeys to the United States; others detailed how they miss their hometowns and their relatives. Almost all of them expressed gratitude for being in America.
“Even though I miss my country, I am grateful for my new life,” said Alkhatib, whose story was called “My New Life in America.” “America is now my second home. I believe with hard work, patience and hope, I can achieve my dreams.”
Carlos Alberto Dominguez wrote about leaving Mexico all by himself three years ago. “My decision to move to the United States wasn’t easy,” he read from his story. “I had to leave everything behind. I moved for a better life for myself and my family.”
He added: “It was difficult for me to adapt to the new life here. But this does not stop me from trying to achieve my goals.”
Dominguez said he plans to take more ESL courses, earn his General Education Development (GED) certificate and start college classes.
Lulu Yu was born and raised in China, in a small village on the shores of Dongting Lake. “I didn’t leave there for the first time until I was 16,” she said, reading from her story. “I love it and always miss it.”
She has been in the United States for 12 years. She navigated some rough times but has found stability and tranquility while taking ESL and Cosmetology classes at MATC.
“Everything in my life feels quite peaceful now,” she said. “And my mind has settled into a state of calm. I no longer worry about the storms the future might bring. I have nothing left to fear.”
Hearing the students tell such personal stories is inspiring, said Dr. Josephine Gomez, dean of Community Education at MATC. “By sharing their journeys, and what it means to them to be here, they remind us all to remember to be brave, to never give up and to realize our dreams,” she said.
The students’ insights could help enlighten other students and community members, Helland said.
“By sharing their lived experiences, our authors are not just practicing a new language but also serving as a bridge between different cultures,” Helland said. “In an era where language barriers can often lead to isolation, these stories act as a powerful tool for human connection and mutual understanding.”
Find out more about MATC’s English as a Second Language programs
About MATC: Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. More than 35,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers more than 180 academic programs — many that prepare students for jobs immediately upon completion and others that provide transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 45 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.