The Immigrant Learning Center hosted a book event with Shubha Sunder, winner of George Mason University’s 2026 Fall for the Book New American Voices Award for her novel Optional Practical Training on May 6, 2026 at the West End Museum of Boston. In the lively discussion moderated by ILC’s Shelley Reese, IIR’s Lisa Gilman, and the West End Museum ‘s Jaydie Halpin, Sunda reflected on her writing process and how input and expectations from others shape our sense of community, where we call home, and how “home” changes due to urban renewal, fading memories, changing communities and our own migration to newly adopted homes.