As the Lead English Learner Mentor at Promesa Boyle Heights, I had the privilege of facilitating an art activity with newcomer students at Hollenbeck Middle School. I chose a workshop that focused on the concept of safety and comfort as this student group consists of individuals born outside the United States who have either recently arrived or been in the country for less than two years. These students come from diverse countries and cultural backgrounds, each with varying levels of educational experience. Some are non-Spanish speakers from countries like Ukraine and China. Many of them face interpersonal conflicts as well as trauma as a result of their journeys to the U.S. and the difficult separations from family and friends in their home countries.
The art activity was designed to allow students to reflect on what safety means to them, particularly as many are navigating life in a new country and adjusting to a different environment. With a thoughtful prompt, “When you think of safety, what comes to mind?” students were encouraged to imagine or recall a place—real or imaginary—that made them feel safe. The objective was to provide a space for these students to reflect on what safety means to them and to explore the idea of comfort through creativity.
I emphasized that there were no right or wrong answers—just the importance of reflecting on what safety meant in their own unique contexts.
One student, Sopiia, a refugee, created a poignant and powerful representation of her safe place: her house back in Ukraine. In her drawing, Sopiia depicted the place where she felt most comfortable and secure, yet she also expressed the sadness and longing she feels being away from it. “I wish I was there, but I can’t,” She explained that while she appreciates other places and has made new friends, it is always better at home, where she feels truly at ease. Her drawing was a beautiful and moving reminder of the importance of home and the deep emotional connection people have to the places that offer them comfort.
Leading this art workshop was not just an opportunity for students to engage in creative expression, but also a way to provide a platform for them to process their feelings about displacement, change, and resilience. It was a reminder that safety is not just about physical security but also about emotional well-being and the places that offer a sense of peace and stability. The activity helped foster a sense of belonging and emotional expression, which is especially important for students navigating the challenges of adjusting to a new environment while carrying the weight of their past experiences.
Overall, the workshop allowed students to reflect on their inner worlds and connect with others who may share similar feelings of longing or homesickness. It served as a reminder that safety is not just a physical place but also a deeply emotional experience tied to one’s sense of identity, memories, and dreams.
