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Y sought comfort in close-knit communities, such as circles composed of fellow Congolese persons who had also migrated. Although he gradually began observing just how truly close-knit these groups could be, he commented that most of these individuals did not speak English despite living in the U.S. for quite some time because they were content with only existing within their comfort zone. In accordance with the U.S Census Bureau, persons who identify as Black or African American compose 47.6% of the population in the city of Atlanta, Georgia, and are ultimately classified as the majority. In addition, COCOMATL, the Congolese Community of Atlanta, is a prominent registered organization affiliated with the state that is dedicated to facilitating “the integration of people of Congolese descent in American society while providing the support and resources they need to thrive.” Whilst this hub of preserving Congolese culture is inarguably a positive harbor and outlet for many, it also does not require a need to socially branch out and “mingle.” Y, however, was uncomfortable with the state of being comfortable, and he vocalized his reasoning for deciding to venture beyond the community, “I had my ambitions and I felt them, the desire to integrate, to learn the language and then to evolve.” He wished to move someplace he’d be “forced” to quickly learn the language. This is eventually how he wound up in Idaho. 

Soon, ambition called to Y when he spontaneously called upon his uncle to inquire about his current homebase to garner thoughts of possible relocation ideas. After informing his nephew of his recent move to Boise, Idaho, he suggested Y pay a temporary visit, and to the pleasant surprise of both parties—he ended up following suit. Since then, he has amassed a variety of personal, academic, and professional wins within his life; he got married, gained proficiency in English, secured a job in accounting, and will secure a master’s degree from Boise State University in May of 2025. Still, he acknowledges there are still hurdles that await him, and he still straddles others, such as further comprehension of social and cultural life in the States. Learning a new language alone is not merely the memorization of letters but moreover a comprehension of all the cultural connotations that are packaged within language, such as slang, pop culture references, and cultural trends and norms. He recalls how he grappled with adapting to the United States, “Faced with the reality of a new country? It wasn’t easy. Yes, because it’s like I was born again. It’s like who would say if I had to start another life. You see, it’s like I’m still a baby.” 

But beauty in being “born again” is the opportunity to reinvent yourself and recreate your life. Upon immigrating, Y was required to redefine nearly all aspects of his identity, being, and his notion of the American Dream and what all of it, perhaps, entails. Rather than clearing his past slate entirely or wholly gripping onto his past, Y embraced American, African, and Congolese culture as all equal facets of his identity and livelihood and aims for his future children to additionally “find happiness” at the intersection of all three. Y has hope for the internal coexistence for the multitudes of one’s identities and experiences. He is adamant that a person is responsible for doing their personal best with what they have and that everyone possesses the power to decide who they wish to be. It is all about taking matters into your hands and persevering in life by forging ahead. Furthermore, his positivity and sincere confidence persists despite the challenges; there is much joy to be felt and shared with the acceptance of self and newness. 

Y’s story is one of embrace; embracing every change and challenge, embracing where one has come from, and where they are going. This continual creation of life is the version of the American Dream he places faith in since he believes he can craft this reality. The only true definition of the dream is the one in which the individual derives for themselves. Y reminds us of the power of a proud perspective and the cruciality of not dismissing one’s full potential, “Personally, I create [the Dream] and I continue to believe in it.”