Meaning through narrative: A personal narrative discussing acculturation issues while growing up

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to examine in narrative format my experience as an immigrant and the struggles of acculturating to the United States. The narrative explores the experience of growing up feeling hopeless and confused and how that experience led to the understanding, empathy, and compassion I feel for the clients I work with as a student of social work. Literature is reviewed about the social and environmental changes of an immigrant acculturating to the United States, as well as narratives, as an important form of communication and as a tool in social work practice. My experience of developing my own narrative along with social work implications are also discussed.