When I arrived in the United States three years ago, everything felt new, enormous, and a little overwhelming. I still remember receiving the welcome basket that had been prepared for me—it was such a simple gesture, yet it became one of the most meaningful supports I received during those first days.
That first night, after hours of travel and the emotional weight of starting a new life, being able to take a shower felt like a blessing. The towels, the shampoo, the soap—those basic products were exactly what I needed. I didn’t have to worry about finding a store, figuring out brands, or trying to understand labels in English. I could just breathe, clean up, and feel comforted.
The pot included in the basket became the tool for my very first dinner in the US. It wasn’t anything fancy, but cooking something familiar helped me feel grounded. And the cleaning products—dish soap, sponges—were lifesavers too. I could wash my dishes, tidy up, and create a small sense of home in a place that still felt foreign.
A fun memory from those early days: the first few times I tried to go to the supermarket, I went to Walmart. I walked in, looked around, and immediately felt overwhelmed. The size of the store, the endless aisles, the amount of products, the brands I didn’t recognize, the names in English I didn’t know—it was too much. I left without buying anything, more than once. Eventually, I discovered Walmart online, where I could search for the products, translate what I needed, and then pick them up without wandering around lost. Later, someone told me about smaller supermarkets like Aldi, where you don’t feel like you’re navigating a maze the first time you go.
Looking back, having so many basic products already covered by the welcome basket was absolutely crucial. Buying those things myself would have been a real challenge during those first days, when everything felt unfamiliar and even simple tasks required courage.
That basket didn’t just give me towels or soap or a pot—it gave me comfort, dignity, and a sense of being cared for. It made me feel welcomed, supported, and not alone in a moment when I needed it the most. It’s a gesture I will always remember with gratitude.
Ayelen Rocio Jurcich
3rd Grade Dual Language Immersion Teacher
Western Union Elementary
