Coming to America

I was born and raised in Mogadishu, the first-born daughter in a family of three. When the war worsened, my family decided to seek refuge in a camp in Kenya. My parents, two younger siblings, and I spent years in the refugee camp. We enrolled in a primary school and later continued to secondary education. Life in the refugee camp was challenging; survival was not easy, but we had no choice but to persevere.

The education system in the camp was limited. There were few resources such as books, computers, or extracurricular activities. My parents could only afford basic supplies like books and pens. Classrooms were overcrowded, with around 40 students from various nationalities including South Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Congo, and Burundi.

After completing my eight years of primary education, I didn't have the opportunity to attend high school. There was only one high school in the refugee camp, which could accommodate thousands of students. With no clear path for my future education and my parents unable to afford it, I felt uncertain about my prospects.

Upon receiving the results of my exams, my parents informed me that they couldn't afford my high school education. I had no choice but to attend the overcrowded high school in the refugee camp with thousands of other students who had graduated from primary school with me.

However, an opportunity for a scholarship arose in the refugee camp. I applied, and after a couple of weeks, I was awarded the scholarship. It covered my school fees, provided pocket money, and supplied necessary books. I was thrilled to inform my parents that I had received a full-ride scholarship for my high school education.

While attending high school, my family and I were fortunate to be resettled in the United States. Through chance and by the grace of God (Allah), I had the opportunity to come to the United States in May 2016 without my family.