Tell Us About An Act Of Kindness Your Immigrant Family Was Shown While Adapting To Life In America

It goes without saying that immigrating to a new country, like the US, isn't easy. But sometimes, small acts of kindness can be especially moving.

It goes without saying that immigrating to a new country, like the US, isn't easy. From learning a new language to visibly sticking out and trying to assimilate, there's no shortage of challenges immigrant families face.

Thunderbird Films

There is nothing that simultaneously humbles and empowers me more than thinking about how both of my grandparents survived wars and then immigrating to the US without speaking English, with young children, and without any real education. 

But small acts of kindness by strangers — though they don't magically make everything better — can help carry you, whether by getting you by in that moment, simply putting or a smile on your face, or leaving you a bit better off than before.

Netflix

So I want to know: What act of kindness was your family shown when settling in the US that stuck with you (or them, if you're hearing it secondhand)?

Let me know where did they emigrate from, how long had they been in the US, and how that act of kindness impacted them.

Maybe when moving into a new home, the sellers cut your family some slack and gave them a bit of a discount or left some quality furniture behind for y'all.

Fox Searchlight Pictures

For instance, I remember my mom telling me that when my grandparents were finally able to purchase a house, they relied on her to translate the contracts and legal documents (she was, like, 12). When she struggled, they got frustrated with her (what's the point of sending her to school and all if she can't read?) and the real estate agent stepped in to explain that these terms trip up even professional adults and then helped break everything down for my mom.

When my grandfather passed away and my family was selling the house, my mom still remembered that agent by name, sought out the same real estate company, and asked about her — only to find out she'd actually retired a few years back!

Perhaps someone connected you or a relative with someone to get a job when your family was struggling to find work, whether due to limited English or discrimination or legal status.

Paramount

Alternatively, maybe kind neighbors offered to help with childcare during work hours.

Even simpler, maybe you or your parent were a few dollars short to buy a snack of meal when a kind stranger covered you — which felt especially nice when you were generally othered instead of accepted.

Or, there could have been a nice little kid who befriended you when you were struggling to fit in, which made a world of difference for you at school.

Plan B Entertainment

Whatever the act of kindness shown to your immigrant family, no matter how big or small, we want to know. So share in the comments below or in this Google Form if you prefer to remain anonymous. You could be featured in an upcoming BuzzFeed Community post.