The Weight They Carry

This chapter continues to present the narratives of the participants in this study as they share the challenges of resettlement. Their stories reveal the heavy burdens students from refugee backgrounds carry as they adjust to unfamiliar school systems, navigate standardized testing, and meet academic expectations that rarely reflect their lived realities. Beyond academics, they also face cultural and social challenges in their new environments. The purpose of highlighting these experiences is not to invite pity, but to help educators recognize the barriers these students encounter. With this awareness, educators can provide the meaningful support needed for them to thrive.