Recent Im/migrant Stories

Share your own story of immigration!

After reviewing the questions and watching the video below, just click the button at the bottom of the page to go to the recording portal.

Testimonial Questions

Here is the list of questions that you can answer during the testimonial:

As you record your testimonial you’ll be guided through a series of questions that were developed to provide a basic framework for your story. You may skip any questions you feel aren’t particularly relevant to your experience and there is an opportunity at the end of the module for you to share information that was not asked in the pre-prepared questions. This is YOUR story. 

  • Please provide your name. If you wish, you may also include your age and gender but this is optional.

  • What is your primary connection with Bergen Community College? Are you a student, employee, or related to a student or employee? How did you learn about this project?

  • What is the story behind you (or your parents) decision to migrate? What is your/their country/region of origin? Why did you/they choose to come to this country/community and what were your/their expectations? Who was on this journey with you? Who stayed behind? 
  • What was the most difficult part about choosing to leave? Please describe that journey. What were some of the challenges, hardships, or surprises during that process? What things did you bring with you?
  • What was it like when you first arrived? Who helped you and/or your family get settled? What was the most surprising thing after you arrived?
  • As time has passed, how does your experience compare to what you expected? For example: What have been the biggest challenges? What have been the greatest sources of joy? What are your sources of strength when things were/are difficult?
  • Can you think of times when you or your family have felt unwelcome as an im/migrants? What was that like? What about when you have felt welcomed?
  • What do you wish more people knew about immigrants, migrants, or others who are new to the community? 
  • What are one or two things you’re the most proud of since arriving to this country/community and why? 
  • What your hopes for your future? Is there anything you think might prevent you from realizing those dreams? What do you think would most help you make those dreams a reality?
  • Is there anything else you would like to add that has not been asked?

Following the recording of your testimonial, you will be asked to agree to the following Terms of Service so that we will have your permission to retain and use your story in our verbatim theater production, website, and archive. Your recording will not be saved unless you grant permission. Here is the agreement:

I hereby give this video and/or audio recording including sound, still or moving images to Bergen Community College (BCC) as a donation for such historical and scholarly purposes as they see fit, including but not limited to the exclusive rights of reproduction, distribution, preparation of derivative works, public performance, and display in print, visual, electronic, or other available media, including the the Bergen Community College website and other BCC affiliated social media internet sites.  I agree that the rights to the sound, still, or moving images belong to Bergen Community College. Bergen Community College can assume no responsibility for misuse of literary or copyright restrictions by users of unrestricted material beyond prevailing ethics and standards. I understand that I will receive no compensation for my participation and that I have no claim on the finished product.

Here is a video walkthrough to assist you in your recording should you need it: