When Selma Toporan moved to the United States from Bosnia, she faced the challenges so many of our families know well, new culture, new language, new relationships, and new social norms. Out of those experiences, she has created something remarkable: Adjusting to Life in the USA: A Complete Guide to Culture, Belonging, and Essential Life Skills for Newcomers, Long-Time Residents, and Their Supporters.
Selma, now an academic advisor with our Cyber Pathways Academy, joined ABC27’s Author Spotlight to share her book and her journey.
What she has written is a resource, a bridge, and an invitation for others walking the path of transition into a new home.
At the School District of Lancaster, nearly one in five of our students is learning English as a new language. Selma’s voice reminds us that while the challenges of adjusting to life in a new country are real, so too is the resilience, courage, and wisdom our community carries with it.
Her work reflects the heart of SDoL where diversity enriches learning, and where each voice has the power to inspire.
We are proud to celebrate Selma’s accomplishment and the message of hope and belonging her book brings. Her journey is a reminder that every story has the power to shape the way we understand and support one another.
Watch Selma share her story on ABC27’s Author Spotlight!