Frank Meng | CIIP 2023 Blog Portfolio

Wow. The orientation week is done for the second time, but this time, as a peer mentor.

Let me tell you, it’s been a whirlwind of events, chock-full of enlightening sessions, soul-stirring discussions, and good-natured banter with my mentees, fellow peer mentors, and the incredible support staff. The schedule has been jam-packed, I won’t lie, but every single day, I rise with a sense of anticipation, eager to dive deeper into the lives of my peers, explore the colorful communities of Baltimore, and take a good, hard look at my own identities.

I love my mentees—they are all talented, bright, and have so much potential to grow. The process of acquainting myself with my group and fellow cohort members was a gentle nudge that reinforced the idea that I am a people person, and I am able to flourish in a leadership role.

In the midst of forging connections with my fellow peer mentors and the randomized group, I discovered the immense satisfaction that accompanies the art of building new relationships.

My mom always quotes this Chinese proverb when I was little because I did not like to watch/read the same book twice: constantly seeing, constantly renewing. It highlights the idea of continuous learning and staying open to new experiences. Case in point, the workshops, albeit hearing them for the second time (and giving the Allyship presentation for the second time), all, again, have the wondrous effect of exposing me to a new perspective. Each day, as I scooter back to the Academy, wearied yet genuinely content, I couldn’t help but feel a bubbling excitement for what the next day would bring, and a trove of musings waiting to be pondered.

Nevertheless, I must confess that being a peer mentor, and by extension, the added responsibility did occasionally divert my attention from fully immersing myself in every activity.

I will conclude with a similar statement as last summer: Embrace confusion, embrace vulnerability, leverage privilege, be prepared to change, and dare to challenge the norms.

“What keeps people going? Betty and I attended the second Baltimore Immigration Organizations Community Meeting, facilitated by MIMA (shout out to Estelle). I had been assigned to the Organizational Capacity Building group, even though I had just started this job two weeks ago. Despite my limited experience, the meeting proved to be extremely informative. One major theme that was discussed was the “double barriers” faced by undocumented immigrants: healthcare access and language access. Based on my first day’s experience, I realized that being an asylum seeker without American insurance is really tough. Moreover, not being able to speak English without an interpreter is even more challenging. Even for hospitals that accept non-English speakers, they mostly require them to act as their own interpreters. One of the members talked about prioritizing language as its own category, a notion I wholeheartedly agreed with. Additionally, Betty informed me that she and two other individuals are the only leaders who have been in these non-profits for over ten years because supporting their families is simply so hard (and they experience burnout, of course).

Another significant event this week was our annual Silent Auction. I can’t recall how many donation descriptions I wrote throughout the week or how many times we edited the program, but it turned out to be a great success. We had the privilege of inviting two Afghan artists, and one of their paintings, “Shout,” resonated with me deeply. It depicted the struggles of refugees fleeing a country that doesn’t necessarily want them. Working behind the scenes, I once again realized how much planning and energy goes into a three-hour event to ensure everything goes smoothly.

One last thing that struck me was how much there is to learn about immigration and refugees, as well as their lived experiences. Academic papers can NEVER capture the whole picture or the nuanced life experiences and hardships they endure. Although ERICA doesn’t directly correlate with my thesis, it has given me a whole new perspective on immigrants’ lives. It’s like entering a whole new world.”

I wish I could give a clear answer that describes my day-to-day life. I simply cannot, because refugees do not live on a perfectly planned schedule. This complexity and uncertainty are inherent in working with immigrants.

I could be in the office, researching which hospitals in Baltimore are refugee- or uninsured-friendly.

I could be in the office, assisting a refugee who had to flee her home country due to political unrest. She almost finished medical school and needs help fixing her resume and applying to community college, trying to start over in this “land of the free.”

I could be in the office, drafting and editing the display sheet for the annual auction. Securing funding for non-profit organizations is challenging, so this event is crucial.

I could be out and about, taking the aforementioned refugee on a college tour.

I could be out and about, helping a pregnant woman move out of her dorm. The school has forced her to leave during the summer, just three days before her due date.

I could be out and about, collaborating with legal aid organizations to provide pro bono assistance to refugees and immigrants navigating the complex legal system.

I could be out and about, translating an English-only form for an asylum seeker who does not speak English. Unfortunately, the federal government lacks inclusivity.

I could be out and about, attending a conference where only three attendees have been working with refugees and immigrants for more than five years. This work is physically and mentally challenging.

I could be out and about, volunteering at a local church that offers assistance and shelter to refugees and immigrants.

I could be out and about, advocating for policy changes at the local, national, or international level to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for refugees and immigrants.

The reality is that working with immigrants and refugees is multifaceted because individuals have different needs and diverse lived experiences. In this dynamic world, a predictable day-to-day routine becomes elusive.