Parker Faculty and Staff Share Family History with Sophomores

A panel of Parker faculty and staff members shared their personal stories of migration to the United States with the sophomore class as part of their City as Community Civic Lab curriculum. The purpose of the panel was to encourage students to practice empathy by putting themselves in the shoes of others and recognizing and appreciating others’ perspectives when it comes to community and cultural backgrounds. 

The panel represented a wide variety of heritages and experiences, each showing a unique view, but also connecting through themes of experiencing prejudices, maintaining their cultural identity while also trying to adapt to Americanisms, living up to their parents’ expectations and finding community and support systems.

A few panelists discussed Chicago’s unique neighborhood communities, including Pilsen and Ukrainian Village, where their families connected with other immigrant families through their shared culture and continued to celebrate it together. 

As part of the Civic Lab programming, sophomores will partner with local organizations that support under-resourced communities, many of which include immigrants. By hearing immigration stories firsthand, students can better empathize with those who they are helping in the future. 

Parker faculty and staff members and their unique journeys enrich the school community and add to students’ learning experiences. Parker thanks those who participated in the panel and shared their stories.