Alert and concentrated. Eyes squinted in determination to write the letter correctly. He is holding the pencil quite tightly, adding to the absolute determination he has to get this right. He writes slowly but carefully, trying to get the shape correct. He skims the paper to check his hard work, takes a deep breath and looks at me with excitement. I check the letter with hope that he got it correct this time, relief floods me as I look into his giddy eyes and break out into a smile. He had done it. Conquered writing his first letter in the English alphabet. This scene was during my volunteer experience at a summer program for refugee children who have been resettled in America escaping persecution and violence in their home countries of