In a time of division, our classrooms can lead with compassion. Guest columnist

Anesa Kajtazovic came to Iowa as a 10-year-old refugee from the Bosnian War. She served two terms in the Iowa Legislature and recently published her first children’s book, "Anesa, No Škola Today."

This month, millions of children across the country are returning to school, stepping into new classrooms, meeting new teachers, and navigating the familiar rhythm of learning and growth. But for many refugee and immigrant children, this season brings with it another layer of challenge. The classroom can be a place of opportunity, but also a place of fear, isolation, or invisibility.

I know this because I was once one of those children.

When my family fled war-torn Bosnia and arrived in Iowa, I was 10 years old.

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