Informal Interview-Hristo (7th grade male student) 1. What country are you from? A: Bulgaria 2.

How long did you live in Bulgaria? A: All of my life 13 years 2. When did you move to the United States? A: June 3, 2013 (about 11 months ago) 3. How is culture here in America different from Bulgaria? A: In the U.S. everyone lives in a house, but in Bulgaria they live in big buildings (apartments). Also, you have to use the freeway a lot. In Bulgaria people just drive on the roads and things are closer. 4. Is school different? A: Oh, yes. In America the teachers are like friends, but in Bulgaria they act like they are above the students. If I asked the teacher for help they would say they were busy. Now when I ask the teachers will talk and help me. 5. Are the students similar or different? A: The students in America are nicer and more helpful than the students in Bulgaria. 6. What was the hardest part about coming to America? A: Learning the language and communicating. I am still learning. 7. What or who has helped you adapt? A: Friends, they are helpful. 8. How long did it take you to adapt? A: I am still adapting. I enjoyed sitting down and talking with Hristo because I was able to learn a little more about him. It was difficult for him to explain himself, but he communicated well. I had an overall sense that he enjoys being here in America even though he misses Bulgaria. He did tell me that language and communication are difficult. His parents speak English, but at home they speak Bulgarian. Hristo told me that his mother lived in America for a short time about 10 years prior and then she returned to Bulgaria. I told him that I am very impressed with his willingness to speak English. Just the other day I was calling on volunteers to answer questions and Hristo raised his hand. He read the sentence with the answer and it contained some difficult words, but he worked his way

through with a little help. He was not afraid to try and looked very proud when he was finished. Hristo is in my 5th and 6th period and there are a couple of other students that he has really bonded with. One boy is from Mexico and the other boy moved here from China about one month after Hristo. The boys have developed a friendship and bond, which Im sure developed because they were able to identify with one anothers experience. I also found it interesting how Hristo described the differences between teachers. In Bulgaria there seems to be a clear hierarchy; teachers and students are not equals and there is an unequal distribution of power. As he was talking I had the feeling that his relationships with teachers in America are more personal and fluid. In talking with Hristo I also get the feeling that he is in Pollocks entering stage. He has been through the involvement, leaving, and transition stages, in which he probably felt confused, detached, and maybe even angry. Now that he has been in America for almost a year he is finding his way through the entering stage. Hristo said at times he feels nervous and scared because he doesnt always know what is going on. He has experienced many changes and continues to, but tries to find people who are willing to help him. In the book Third Culture Kids the book gives examples of experiences people have during this stage. It made me think of the time I saw Hristo at the store on a Saturday. He said, Hi Ms. Philips and we talked for a couple of minutes. As Hristo continues to live here he will enter into Pollocks final stage called reinvolvement. At this point Hristo will be a permanent member of the culture and he will fully accept his new place, role, and community. Hristo will feel secure and have a sense of belonging.