Duke University

Welcome to y(our) home. The first time I heard “Welcome, make yourself at home” was when I went to live in the SOS Children’s Village, a Brazilian orphanage. Auntie Goreth, a social mother, was waiting in front of the house with other residents. There, I grew up amongst different stories, setbacks, and dreams. The Village’s sense of community made me feel embraced and safe, especially when we sat around the large wooden table for lunch, to do our homework or to share experiences. Auntie Goreth received me willing to know me, and I harbored the illusion that I would always be welcomed. All of…