Additional Thoughts

On Home ‒ Kianny lived in the Dominican Republic until she was 17 years of age. This year marks her 17th year living in the United States. ‘Home’ is a subjective and delicate topic for her. She identifies as a ‘transterrada’ because she was transplanted in a new country with a different language, culture, etc. However, even while she lived in the Dominican Republic she never felt she had a home.

“While there, I lived at my grandparents’ house and even though I would have not changed that experience and their company for anything, I grew up embracing a sense of detachment, belonging but not owning.”

Her experiences in the States were worse. She constantly moved from room to room, from apartment to apartment, from house to house. It was only after she had her daughter that she felt she had a home: with her daughter and her partner. Home is no longer necessarily a place but rather a state of mind. She belongs to them and they belong to her. Her home is where they are.

On Belonging ‒  In her case, Kianny believes that belonging is almost synonymous with happiness.

“As human beings we seek the closeness of others. Those  with whom we can share our likes, those we can love and with whom we can find/share enjoinment, bliss, and pleasure. Seeing ourselves in the eyes of others, gives us a sense of belonging. That is the key to happiness!”

On Citizenship ‒ Citizenship equals opportunities, now more than ever. As an individual who wanted to pursue higher education, she had to become a U.S. Citizen. After learning that as a Dominican she would not lose her Dominican citizenship by becoming a U.S. citizen, she did not think twice. She now has dual citizenship and therefore, access to more opportunities.

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