Aika Boroli
Oct 162 min read
The Myth of the “Grateful Immigrant”: Why Integration Should Be Mutual
When people move to a new country, gratitude often becomes the first emotion expected of them. “You must be so grateful to be here,” people say, and in many ways, they’re right. Opportunities for education, safety, or stability are things to be thankful for. But over time, I began to realize that the idea of gratitude can also carry quiet expectations: to adapt quickly, to stay positive, and to remain thankful, even when facing loneliness, misunderstanding, or exclusion. I’ve



