On a trip to visit a family friend for six month and to see the states for the first time, Aysu Kurultak never expected to stay in the United States for the rest of her life. 17 years ago, Aysu made the journey to the U.S. all without knowing a word of English. She was 23 years old when she left her home in Izmir Turkey, with every intention to return. After living with a Turkish family for six months, she was dissatisfied with her English and made the decision to further her academic studies for the next nine years. From mid-2000 to 2009 Aysu studied English, business, and mathematics at North Carolina University. It was towards the end of those nine years that I met Aysu. She was a nanny for my family for the next two and a half years, during this time she formed a close bond with both me and my family. Because of this close bond, my family stayed in close contact with Aysu and we were able to celebrate her wedding, her new house, and just last Friday, her citizenship! After living in the United States for 17 years, I was confused upon learning that she hadn’t gotten her citizenship already. When I questioned her she revealed some of the growing concerns she had as an immigrant in 2017. It was actually the current administration that inspired Aysu to get her citizenship. The recent push back against immigrants has been one of the only incidences in which Aysu has felt isolated based on her status as an immigrant.
Language presented the largest challenge but it was overcome with time and practice. Aysu also struggled with homesickness, she did not return home for ten years when she first got to the states. The culture shock was also a challenge, both when traveling home after extended periods away and when traveling to the states. Aysu described everyone as being “really helpful, and really nice.” The United States has become Aysu’s home. Currently, she is married and working in a bank and loving every minute of it!
