Shreejenah, age 17 from Bhutan As I conduct this hands-on-assignment interview, I
went ahead told Shreejinah and her father Kubir prior to visiting their home to create in writing
their lives originating from Nepal Refugee Camp, their United States acculturation experience
and to the present time. Surely, I find it comforting using my own culture as a lens. Food is one
very creative devise across cultures that are warm, workable; and, all together elemental and
universal. I know the Chhetri's are so into lamb or goat dishes; thus, I took time and effort
cooking “goat caldereta” or what is beef stew to most Americans. Nonetheless, in return they
have prepared some Ceylon loose-leaf tea and some other Indian leaves for teas. Surprisingly, I
find the tea delicious!
Here is Shreejinah’s story in her own “English” writing. I choose to submit her original
and unique story. “It was in June 2009 I first reached Las Vegas. I was totally confused what can
I do and where to go. I saw a lot of people, I never see in my life. People speak so fast that I
can’t understand what they are talking? People lived in different life styles. In this bit cities I
feel like a river of water that flows silently. I feel so weird and lonely. I didn’t speak English. I
faced a lot of problem. I didn’t have friends. I didn’t come out from my house. Slowly, slowly
time past and I understand English and speaks well. I went to school , make a friendship with
new people. Met a different kinds of people like Spanish, African, Philipino, etcc.. I engaged
with them. At first I thought they are selfish, but they are not. They are so friendly and helpful
]
I met Kubir through the courtesy of the African
community and the ECDC African Community Center &
Resettlement Program in the fall of 2009. I invited Kubir as key
speaker in my Educ 384/Global Leadership. Kubir is the frontal
figure/spokesman of the Bhutanese community in Las Vegas. He
holds a Bachelor Degree in Secondary Education major in Social
Studies. He is married to wife Konte with two children, Chet and
Shreejinah. The family have speedily and successfully immersed
in the main stream yet, remains in their unique cultural settings.
They are now members of the International Church of Las Vegas.
Kubir dreams of becoming a missionary and plans to attend
UNLV in the near future to further his studies. Indeed, stories like
that of Kubir, daughter Shreejinah, and the many more others,
inspire me to build the necessary components as to be a highly
Shreejenah, age 17
from Bhutan
articulate, honest/bias, credible and culturally competent
service worker for humanity. I understand that being
involved with immigrant families helps me in the building of
core values. Consequently, I hope that my journey with the
immigrant families will be more engaging if not ambiguous.
Pipe dreams? No. It is more like an act of prayer. Besides, I
too, was an immigrant .
“For me Life is token and it has to be lived FOR and
With others too. Helping the needy is to Generating Hope of
Living. And Hope is the Rope where life Swings. Having spent
cream of my youth age as a refugee, probably I feel am the
one who have maximum opportunity of realization that
Without Hope, People Live in Desperation and Desperation is
the main source of Destruction. Therefore, I felt my prime
focus is to help needy.
It was in June 2009 when I first reached Las Vegas. I
was shocked to see the condition and situation of my
community people who reached prior to me. I saw the
By Maritess Sanchez and Shreejenah
By Maritess Sanchez and Kubir Poudel Chhetri
. I am proud of my dad because he is the source of my happiness life. He works with volunteers like Sister Tess
(Maritess), and he make our community. He helps our community and make strong in this big cities. Nowadays, I really do hard
work in my study and I try to be a good. I live to dance, make fun and like to make friends with new people. Now I was in this
stage because of my dad, and others elders and volunteers. Now a days in my life, I have goals and a lot of things that I need
to do. Hope all people help me to reach to my goals. I would like to add something. Last Chrismas 2010, Sister Tess bring a lot
of things for us. She helps a lot. She give us presents. She always come to met us. She loved to work in our community.”
NOTE: Presently, Shreejinah attends Valley High School, Las Vegas. She excels in Chemistry, a song/dance protegee; and, a
very beautiful/exotic dancer/singer in her native dress Kira. She participated in a dance number at The World’s Refugee Day
summer of 2010/ United Methodist Church, Las Vegas.
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