“Leaving home was the hardest thing- but it made me who I am.”
Story #53, Deren Aşıcı, Turkish International Student
Story written and interview conducted by Dorsa Hajmaghani
Edited by Selene Ho
At just 19 years old, Deren Aşıcı has already crossed continents in search of new experiences. Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Aşıcı moved to Dubai at the age of five—a transition she was too young to fully understand. But when she moved to Boston in August 2023 to attend Boston University, her decision was hers.
For Aşıcı, migrating was not just about relocating; it was a step toward personal and academic growth. She had always envisioned her future in the United States, drawn by the higher education system and the country’s diversity. She explained that moving to America was always her goal, saying, “I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in the U.S.” The idea of studying in a place with endless possibilities excited her, and she felt confident that this was the right step for her future.
Unlike Aşıcı’s first migration from Istanbul to Dubai, this move required her to leave behind the familiar comfort of home and step into the unknown alone. Though her loved ones supported her from afar, stepping into a new country without family made her feel uncertain. Aşıcı reflected: “My dad is still in Dubai, but I came here alone for me to stand on my feet.”
Adjusting to life in Boston came with both familiar and unexpected challenges. While Aşıcı expected cultural differences and academic transitions, some aspects of daily life still caught her off guard. One of the biggest surprises was the stark contrast in climate. Coming from Dubai’s year-round heat, she shared, “Experiencing all four seasons for the first time was definitely an adjustment.”
Beyond the weather, Aşıcı also feels challenged by the logistical and emotional hurdles of being an international student. Securing work experience has been especially difficult due to visa restrictions, making internships and job opportunities harder to access. She reflected on this: “It has been frustrating to know that I have the skills but still face setbacks because of my visa status.”
Despite these hurdles, Aşıcı has built a sense of belonging in Boston by immersing herself in the social aspects of university. She embraces the opportunity to connect with people from different backgrounds, broadening her perspective to see the world through new lenses. Exploring the city is one of Aşıcı’s favorite ways to create unique experiences. She described, “Trying new restaurants and places with friends has been some of my favorite memories.” She believes migrating expanded her outlook on life, adding, “I get to experience different cultures and languages in ways I never could have otherwise.”
Still, Aşıcı believes that many people underestimate the resilience one needs to migrate—leaving behind everything familiar and starting over in a new country is a major transition. “You need to be strong,” remarked Aşıcı. Yet, despite the obstacles, she never questions her decision.
For those who may follow in her footsteps, Aşıcı offers a straightforward but powerful message: “Be open-minded, be independent, and be disciplined.” Her journey is proof that migration is not just about leaving home – it’s about building a new one along the way.
