Nine years ago, in 2015, I embarked on a life-altering journey from Yemen to the United States. Born in Yemen, I had spent my life in a land rich in culture and surrounded by family and friends. However, as we prepared to come to the U.S., the war broke out, marking a painful and tumultuous transition. It was emotionally draining and it felt as if I was leaving a piece of my heart buried in the soil of my homeland.
Leaving meant I had to say goodbye to the people I love and whom I may not get to see again by the time I return. I left everything but my memories behind. It meant leaving my play kitchen and the tire swing in my backyard that faced the green mountain of Haywah behind me. But hey, it’s the USA—who would say no to the home of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness…right?
Arriving in the U.S., I remember asking my dad why there weren’t any skyscrapers as we flew over the Central Valley. All I saw were patches of different shades of green and yellow…#disappointing.
The challenges I faced upon arriving in the U.S. were immense. I came with no knowledge of English and found myself in a world that felt completely foreign—nothing like mine. The feeling of isolation was overwhelming, and the culture shock hit me hard. I was thrown into a place where everything—from the language to the way of life—was unfamiliar. It stressed me out tremendously and at times I felt lost.
But through this journey, life has taught me a powerful lesson: humans have an incredible ability to adapt. I slowly began to learn English, starting from scratch. It was a long process, but over time, I not only became fluent but also thrived in school. I became outgoing and made many friends during those years. I began to embrace the person I am and my differences. I started excelling academically, and now in high school, I’m taking AP and Honors classes—something I would have never imagined when I first arrived.
One of the most meaningful decisions I made was choosing to wear my hijab in 6th grade. I was so excited and, at the same time, scared. It’s not an easy transition, but I knew why I wanted to do it. For me, it’s far more than an object—it’s an expression of my faith and identity. The hijab deepened my connection with God, constantly reminding me of my purpose and the values that guide my life. It’s now an integral part of who I am, symbolizing not just my beliefs but also my pride in my heritage and my homeland. Wearing it makes me feel empowered, allowing me to embrace my differences and reflect the strength it took to fully accept myself for who I am.
What I’ve learned throughout all of this is that no matter where you come from or how daunting the challenges may seem, your background isn’t a barrier—it’s your strength. Your past experiences are the catalysts for a better tomorrow. You should adapt to the world, but never lose sight of who you are.
Perseverance, faith, and holding onto your roots will always guide you toward achieving your dreams, no matter how far away they may seem.
