What is it like to be a refugee? Or the child of refugees? The students in Room 18 at Lexington Middle School can tell you firsthand. In the TEDxKids@ElCajon video featured below, children from one California classroom speak about why and how their families left Iraq, Sudan and Mexico. These kids, who participated in TED-Ed Clubs as part of the Cajon Valley School District, share their stories of resilience and gratitude — and the impact of war on their families around the globe. Here are a few quotes from their panel-style presentation:

“When we arrived in the USA we landed in New York. I’d never been that cold in my life — probably because we didn’t have winter jackets.”

“My dad had to leave Sudan when war broke out. He was separated from his family for more than 13 years. He also walked more than 1000 miles to Ethiopia before he came to America.” — Akuar, student in California, USA

After leaving Iraq, “we first lived in Egypt for about five years. Then the trouble came, and we had to leave. When we arrived in the USA we landed in New York. I’d never been that cold in my life — probably because we didn’t have winter jackets.” — Amjed, student in California, USA

“My mom misses the food and the games — but most of all she misses her family. I know that’s true because she always calls my grandma.” —Jocelyn, student in California, USA

Watch this talk to see 7 children’s perspectives on refugee and immigration issues in the United States.

TEDxKids@ElCajon: We all come from different places but we are friends

Interested in starting a TED-Ed Club at your school? Learn more here.»