In this episode, host Cailee interviews Rizen about his immigration from the Philippines to America as a child. 

Rizen tells the story of his transition to America. He talks about how it was harder for him to transition from the Philippines to America as he didn’t speak English and was left at home with his new stepdad who only spoke English. He talks about the hardships of green cards and getting citizenship. He continues to talk about how his unique culture sets him apart from other people and how he brings new experiences and new culture to people. Rizen also shares the hardships of prejudice that he faces as an immigrant that is still not a US citizen.

The conversation explores the complexities of the immigrant experience, reflecting on the bravery, struggles, and triumphs of those who leave home and immigrate to start anew.

[This podcast is a project by 12th-grade students in Mr. Smith’s English class at Mission Vista High School in Vista Unified School District.]