I had the honor of sitting down with Lazou to hear her incredible story. From growing up on the small island of Mauritius, to navigating life in Canada, and finally settling in the United States, her journey is one filled with resilience, identity, and the search for belonging.
When I first connected with Lazou, I have to admit—I didn’t even know Mauritius existed. I immediately went to Google, and what I found blew me away: a stunning island nation east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean. It’s the only place the extinct dodo bird ever lived, and it’s home to the breathtaking “underwater waterfall” illusion many of us have seen online. But behind the postcard beauty is a complex culture shaped by history, colonization, and diversity.
Growing Up in Mauritius
Lazou described her homeland with pride and nostalgia. “It’s a beautiful, tiny island,” she said, “very different from growing up in the United States.” Her upbringing was deeply shaped by Mauritius’s diversity, where Indian, African, Chinese, and European influences blend in everything from food to language to religion.
A Transition to Canada
After spending her childhood in Mauritius, Lazou later moved to Canada, a shift that brought its own challenges. (Transcript details will expand here: what the transition was like, culture shock, her education/work experiences, etc.)
Building a Life in the United States
Eventually, Lazou found herself in the U.S., where she continues to navigate questions of identity and belonging. (Transcript details will expand here: struggles, opportunities, and her reflections on the American dream.)
The Importance of Sharing Our Stories
What stood out most during our conversation was Lazou’s openness and vulnerability. Her story is not just about geography—it’s about adapting to change, holding onto your roots, and finding a sense of self no matter where life takes you.
Her journey is a reminder that the immigrant experience is never one-dimensional. It’s layered with culture, history, and personal resilience—and when we share these stories, we build bridges of understanding.
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With Love, Heidy
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