Christopher, pictured left, and Graham Swift, pictured right
Christopher Swift was born in England in 1961, and was 7 when he immigrated with his family to America. Upon interviewing Chris, he revealed that he thought his dad was the real immigrant, and he was a tough act to follow. He then insisted that I interview his father instead.
Graham Swift was born in England and came to America in 1968, after his London University graduation. He came with his aforementioned son, Christopher, and his wife. Graham, along with his family, boarded the trans-oceanic liner, Queen Elizabeth, to take up a post-doctoral scholarship in Organic Chemistry at Temple University Medical School. He is now a retired Senior Research Fellow and enjoys travelling and playing golf.
Graham said that the main challenge he faced while immigrating wasn’t the process itself, but learning cultural differences in America that are different from England. He had an especially difficult time learning different holidays, entertainment interests, and driving on the opposite side of the road! He also found it difficult, but amusing, that the languages have different connotations and spellings. Graham came to America when England was in a deep economic depression, so he viewed America as a better opportunity for him and his family. He loves that in America, people embrace that you can do anything you put your mind to, and he took advantage of that philosophy to achieve what he has in the scientific field. He still visits England since he has family there, and he noted that England has changed a lot in the 50+ years that he hasn’t lived there.
Graham doesn’t understand why anyone would have a negative view towards legal immigrants since they help to diversify and enrich American lives. He has done much to contribute towards the communities that he is in, and he thinks that he has been successful in life. He thinks that being a part of a society that supports education, and recognizes hard work and dedication has helped him to become who he is today. Graham is an immigrant, and this is his story.
