Growing up in a multicultural environment really shaped who I am. As a second-generation immigrant, I constantly found myself balancing two worlds. My parents, who left their homeland due to war, made sure I appreciated our Albanian traditions—family gatherings filled with laughter, delicious home-cooked meals, and stories of our homeland. In the past my siblings and I often played the Ciftelia as my dad taught us how to tune and play it. But at school, I was surrounded by friends from all sorts of backgrounds, and navigating that duality could be overwhelming at times. Still, it enriched my life in ways I didn’t always realize. I started seeking out spaces where I could connect with others who understood my experience, and those connections became a source of strength for me. Song and art became my outlets, allowing me to blend elements of both cultures and express my unique journey. I’ve learned that being Albanian isn’t about choosing one identity over the other; it’s about celebrating the richness that comes from both. I’m still exploring what it means to belong to two worlds, and I cherish every moment of this journey.

– EK

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant