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“This is an excellent and important book that makes a significant contribution to the studies of migration, refugees, resettlement, and the creativity of people facing forced migration.” • Amy Shuman, The Ohio State University “This is a rare and vital contribution to the field —one that bridges scholarship, creative nonfiction, and advocacy. I am so impressed, inspired, and deeply supportive of this work. It is a much-needed addition to the growing literature on art, trauma, and forced migration.” • Fadi Skeiker, Fordham University “Thank you for the care you put into the book and for including my story alongside those of so many remarkable young people working hard to create positive change in their own lives, their families, and the communities they live in and come from.” • Gabriel Ndayishimiye

Christophe Vitello is a George Mason University undergraduate student who worked as a research assistant at the Institute for Immigration Research (IIR) in the 2025-2026 academic year. With academic interests in cultural anthropology, folklore, and visual storytelling, Chris joined IIR through George Mason’s Office of Student Creative Activities and Research (OSCAR) program, contributing to the Leaving and Belonging Digital Storytelling project.

During the 2025–2026 academic year, the IIR launched Leaving and Belonging, a digital storytelling initiative developed as part of its arts, culture, and storytelling initiative. This project complements the IIR’s broader mission to generate and amplify relevant research on immigrants and immigration to the United States by pairing research on migration with community engagement, using storytelling to amplify personal narratives and highlight lived experiences. 

Folklore faculty and director of the Institute for Immigration Research, Lisa Gilman has been selected as a recipient of Fulbright U.S. Scholar Awards for 2026-2027.

This coursebook is a crucial tool in planning your Fall 2026 classes. Inside, you will find descriptions for course offerings in all English and Creative Writing graduate programs.