Immigrant Stories: Tefta Bushka
Tefta Haxhi Bushka shares the story of how her and her husband's families escaped communist Albania in the early 1950s.
Tefta, a retired high school and college English teacher, has influenced the lives of countless students. In her retirement, Tefta channeled her passion for storytelling with her own experience of immigrating to America in her debut memoir, Memory Nights: A Multi-generational Family Story from Albania to America. Her book dives into the lives of refugees, offering a nuanced and poignant exploration of their struggles and resilience as they leave their homelands in search of safety and new opportunities. Through her insights, Tefta highlights the often-overlooked emotional and psychological challenges that accompany such monumental changes.
Her journey might not be glamorous or sensational, but it's honest and genuine. It is a story of a human being who faced the worst times and found the best in themselves and others. It is a tale of hope, courage, and love transcending borders, cultures, and languages. With her extensive background in teaching English, Tefta provides a unique perspective on the significance of language and communication in the lives of those who have been displaced. She underscores the power of words in bridging cultural divides and fostering understanding.