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How only one dialog can change your life on three hundred sixty degrees?

Something from my life

It was a very ordinary day, no different from the rest. It was day 203 of the war, it was cloudy, rainy, and foggy outside. I was sitting in the room doing my normal business when dad entered. We had a short dialogue in which he asked what I thought about moving to another country. Then I did not give it much importance, because I clearly knew that I would live my whole life here in Ukraine. As it turned out, these five minutes of dialogue were able to change all my life.

The decision was made after discussions with the whole family and after a huge amount of work, tickets for moving were bought. I was so excited; a huge pile of emotions overwhelmed me. Chewing about flights, accommodation, tickets, documents etc. Questions in my head like “What if our documents are not accepted?” “If they tell to go back?” or ‘What if it’s all wrong and we should have just stayed?” It was a terribly difficult journey that took more than two days. Just eleven hours on the plane to Seattle. Arriving, it looked like a movie. Different climate, different language, different routine life. Settling here was no easy task. But all the difficulties that are given only make us stronger. At first, we lived with friends until confirmed our apartment. Moving is always difficult, and even more so to another country.

Leaving all your friends, closer to you peoples, your family, your home, and everything that is dear to you will obviously change you. It was a huge challenge for my family and me, and it still is. Radically change your life by three hundred and sixty degrees and move forward towards a bright future.

Step by step, go towards your goals and dreams - something that everyone should have. And even if sometimes things do not go according to plan, that is normal, you just need to not give up and go straight ahead. I remember my first day at a new school, it was exciting, and then I did not even think that I might have any problems or misunderstandings at school. But everything can be solved if you want it. I needed time to understand and make important decisions. Such as, for example, going to college or staying in school, how to behave and act. I mean that everything depends only on yourself.

I will always remember our first family trip to Seattle. I was struck by the beauty of this city as well as the huge as the number of skyscrapers. The Ferris wheel was simply wonderful, it is hard to describe the emotions that were there, seeing all the beauty at such a height is incredible. A very atmospheric café with ice cream that we went to in the evening, photos that will always remind me of a memory and just a cozy evening.

I understood that we cannot predict some things in our life, sometimes, events are not dependent on us. When I came to the United States, left my home and closer to me people, I realized how it were valuable to me and my personality. We need to valuable that we already have and do not complain. If you do not like some aspects of your life, just try to change it.

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger” Friedrich Nietzsche.

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Beginning: Introduction (setting: where and when)- Back in Samoa life wasn’t easy as I imagined. When I was 3 to 4 years old my family and I moved into my dad’s mother (my grandma), and his sister (my aunty) with two of her spoiled kids (my cousins). Ever since we moved in with them, we haven’t been able to do anything for ourselves. They had been treating us like their own slave example, they made us clean after themselves. letting us suffer from all the house chores. Even worst, my dad was expected to pay the bills even if he didn’t have much left for us to spend.

Middle: For the past few years of living with them my parents had enough of their control. They knew that we were going to have an unlucky future if we were still going to live under their roof. That’s why they both decided to let us live with my mother’s family for a few weeks while she and my father decided what to do for our best. After weeks of being away from my dad’s side both of my parents decided to look for a job from the U.S.A.

Rising Action: After months of waiting for a job, my parents had received an offering job from a nice and wealthy company (I forgot the company’s name). When my dad got into the job, we know that he’s going to leave our country, but we knew he’s just going to the U.S.A.

Resolution: after years of being apart with my dad we finally reunited again. When I saw him I was excited but scared at the same time. I ask myself if he doesn’t remember out passed then maybe I should too. I was stay up all time ever since we reunited because I wasn’t feeling safe at the same time. but seeing him after few years of being apart made my brought my world back together.

End: now that we reunited with my dad after years of being apart, I wanted to make some changeset for myself. moving on with a new life with a new start makes me feel fresh like a water.

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Why did I stop playing football.

Five years ago, when I was 11 years old, my friends came to our house. I was in Afghanistan in the city name Kabul, and it have around 4 million people and it was so fun because we had a good time.  we did not use phone or technology to much and when we get tired, we going to play like football, or we play cricket or do everything for being happy then me and my friends we decided to play football but, in that place, we live there was a place to playing football or it was so far away.  then we had to  choose  play in the street or we have to clean a place to we can play football or we have to pay  we can play football  and we decided to choose number clean  a place  because maybe it's so easy to clear it and we found a place but it was full of  garbage and we cannot clean that but one day one of my friends went to his father to take about that and he  say all of the history for his father and his father help us with same people to clean there.  We clean there and get all garbage out, after that we watered that place too, we can play football.at the first we found a place for playing then we understood that this is very difficult. We made a place for our playing, and we use that place 5 or 4 years using that place. and at the end someone buys it there, and he throws us out of there. After that we came to America after that I come

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Journey to a new life

Two years ago, I was in my room reading books, getting ready for school exams. Suddenly, my dad came in and said, 'We're going to the US soon!' I stood up and I said What! I was mostly speechless because my dream was finally coming true. I did not know that day was just the beginning of an incredible journey that would change our lives forever.

We lived a wonderful live in Afghanistan, and I had a lot of memories with my family and my friends. One day I was thinking about how different our life would be in the US. But after few months Taliban took over Afghanistan in 2021. After that day everything changed in Afghanistan, and I thought we would not be able to go to US. we and a lot of other refuges were stuck in Afghanistan. We wanted to get to US from Pakistan, and we moved to Pakistan in December 2022 and after the day I stepped in Pakistan my story started “Journey to a new life.”

when Taliban came to Afghanistan all of the embassies were locked and there was no way out of the country. we tried to go to Pakistan for our interview, but it was hard to go to Pakistan because everyone was required to have Pakistan’s visa to go to Pakistan and getting visa was extremely hard. It took months to get a visa. After a lot of attempts we got visa and we prepared ourselves to move in Pakistan. we went through Afghanistan and Pakistan border which was called Torkham.

At the time when we were going to Pakistan Torkham was extremely crowded and it took us over 6 hours to pass the border but normally it would take less than an hour. We went to Peshawar after passing Torkham Border. At Peshawar we had some relatives from Afghanistan and there was an apartment where some close members of our family lived there before us, and we rented that apartment there was no one lived there for over 3 months. The apartment was dirty, we did a deep cleaning. This was a change to my life.

After we arrived, we went for our interview after a week at the US Embassy in Islamabad. we went there finished with the interview and we stayed there at my aunt’s house for one night they also moved recently in Pakistan, and we were happy to see them. At first and second months we had some problems with the apartment we fixed some of them and start to know that place. After few months, my uncle arrived, and we got an apartment for them next to ours and they became our neighbors we were happy for them they were in Peshawar for few days and went back to Afghanistan because of some issues. Prices in Pakistan sometimes went high and low this effected the prices for a lot of items including food items. After all this, living there became easy for us.

As the time passed, we were waiting for the process to be completed. At that month, my uncle was also scheduled for their interview. They rented the apartment next to our and they were excited for their interview. We had a lot of fun time with them, and this was another change in my life and this change made me happy. After some other steps we were prepared to go to the US. At last few months we went to Torkham border for our visa to refresh it and it took a long time and it was extremely hard to go from one side to another it was very crowed, and it was difficult. We went there in the morning, and we got back to home at night. It was around 8 o'clock at night and it was Raining hard. After few weeks we got US Visa and started to pack our stuff and prepared ourselves. We took all of our stuff and went to our aunts house to stay there for a night at next day we went to Islamabad Airport at 10 o'clock at night and our flight was at 3 am at night.

It took 2 days to arrive to us. When we arrived in Washington, it was around 11 o'clock at night and we were going to my grandparent’s house. It took like 20 to 30 minutes to arrive at our destination. When we arrived at my grandparent’s house, everyone was happy to see us, especially my grandmother. At that night we all stayed awake until 5 o'clock in the morning. We rested for a few days and after we went to take a look at outside and see what it is like to live in the US. It was also Ramadan, and it was my second time taking fast for full month. After that we used to go out and have fun.

And after a month we rented an apartment and started to go to school. After that it all went well, and we all were happy. After the first two months of going to school summer holidays came and we went to a lot of parks, and lakes during the summer. And after the summer holidays when school started, I got my first job which was about garden restoration. My cousin and I got the same job, and we had a lot of fun time together. and after the job ended, I created a resume and started looking for jobs, but I have not found any yet. All of this leads to today and I am still happy. This was the most interesting and full of problem journey. What every you want to do you will face obstacles and problems. At future I want to see myself working for Google or Microsoft as an IT.

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Coming To USA :

It was a cold day I was in Afghanistan in my home, and I was taxing one of my friends suddenly I heard my brother was called my mom I just went to my mom’s room everyone was in her room my brother was so shocked he said that we have won the case lottery for immigrate to America. I was so happy, but I also was so happy in my country… we were whiting for progress, and we were working on it, but we were hesitant. But it was a day that girls cannot go out of home and complete their education. And I was so sad about this. So, when my dad was talking about the situation he said ‘we can escape every problem. t it is a massive problem that my children cannot go to school. We should do something, and we should start a long travel. It was our interview day so we went to Pakistan to interview, everything was good, but I could not accept being so far from my family and it was a little hard. I was missing something important. Of this on 29 September 2023, we started or travel it was A warm summer day my family and I were in Qatar for a travel to USA we have been in airport for 5 hours everything was so cool and good, but it was a massive problem. that we were supposed to travel for 27 hours. when I realized that I was  astonished about that , I talked to my mom I told her I have lots of stress for this travel  because I thought being in air plan will be such a boring because of that long time, but she told me we can do anything there and I just would to listen music  and everything were ok, we were Horrified about that hours, but I was trying to cope whit that situation. but already we were ok and happy. The airplane was so big and there were lots of passengers, it was amazing that the flight crew were so cool and so showered they had special dress, prefect hair style and hats and they were stunningly beautiful. Yas it was too long, but it was not so boring as I thought because I waited a long time for this change of location. After a 36 hours trip, on 1 October we arrived in Washington DC, and it was like a dream my two uncles and one of our family friends were there and we were so happy. I met my ancle for the first time in my life. Because he was in Canada for long time, and all of us were happy to be together it was also my birth mount so that days was so important and special for me one for my birthday and one for start living in UAS. The air was so good, and it was not so warm. We were astonished to be there; it was the start of a long travel not the end. Then We went to Virginia from their there was a perfect site. We were in a hotel, and we were just on vacation and the only goal for us was to enjoy our day. my uncle was talking about the past Afghanistan and my mom told him something about that new Afghanistan. He just sighed and told ‘I really cannot believe what happened in Afghanistan. But already we were together, and it was an assist for us. Then we went to Virginia there were amazing, and it was the best vacation that I had.

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Before the story started, I was in Afghanistan and live with my family. When I was 11 years old, I traveled to a different country. It was my first time visiting somewhere I was so excited. We traveled to Dubai with my family, we lived there for 6 or 7 months. Dubai was a wonderful place to live with the beautiful view from the tallest building in the world’ Burj Khalifa. ‘Biggest malls’ the sunny clean air but there was a problem it was too hot live. In summer you cannot even go outside, it was too hard to live in summer.

Normally I had to learn their language because it was hard to live somewhere you do not know their language. I started to learn their languages on my phone. At the beginning I felt nervous because it was my first time, and I did not know what to do but I saw peoples are learning language on their phone. Then I said to myself:

“Everyone learn language online I think there is no problem for me maybe I can do it to.”

Over time it became normal for me to study online. When I use the phone, my eyes become weak, and I cannot see when something is bright. I felt bad because my eyes will remain weak for the rest of my life. When I use the phone, my parents notice that my eyes are weak. They noticed because when I am staring at something, I would soon cry and sometimes I am wiping my tears, and my eyes are getting red. My parents got an appointment for me. When I had a few minutes left to see the doctor I knew that he wanted to tell me do not to use the phone. When I met a doctor It happened, he told me.

“Use your phone for 1 or 2 hours, and keep away from the TV,”. I looked to him quickly and I said: “No, it’s not fair I can’t do that.”

I know it was rude, but I was addicted to the phone. When my parents peeked at me, I said ‘sorry’ to the doctor. The doctor gives me glasses to wear, and I Just nodded my head. I knew if I said about glasses something nothing good was going to happen. I really hate to wear glasses, but I have no choice, I had to wear glasses. Suddenly my parents took my phone for 2 month. I was sad because it was too hard for me, When I got my phone, after two months when I got my phone again, I promised myself to use it when I really needed it. Suddenly my parents took me to language class. At the beginning of the class I felt nervous because it was my first class in a different country. Over time my class got normal to me. I learned their language easily and I had friends from different countries, and I am so glad about it. I learned that using the phone is not always good. Sometimes it is not good for you to use the phone too much. I felt regret for my parents because I did not tell my parents before, When I think in the past my parents can understand me. Even now, my eyes are weak, and I feel bad. But I got a great lesson. There is a quote that I learned from my past:

‘It's not always the time to choose the easy things, just like I did in the past that I still regret.’

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THE DAY I CAME TO USA

The day I came to the US was the day that changed my whole life. It changed how I live. how I study, how I behave, and even how I see the future. It was certainly a huge change in my whole life.

I came to a new country where I get to meet new people, new culture, and a lot of new things. I saw a lot of differences here, here was so different than my home country, different people, different culture, and one thing that was so new to me was the people who had different attitude about how to dress, the religions and a lot of things. And the one biggest difference I saw when I came here was the freedom because in the country that I born and grew up there was no different religions, not different people and not that much freedom, there was one religion and it was Islam, but in USA here is a lot of religions and a lot of attitudes, also this is the one thing that I love about USA. I had to start a new life here, I had to start from zero, and it was so hard to me and did not even know how to speak English, I could not understand anything when someone talked to me. At the beginning I had a lot of problems that I had to stand in front of and be strong even though I had problems with everything. It was so hard to me but after a few months I finally understood something,

In Chicago when I went to school it was winter and a snowy day, I was so stressed, the first day was so stressful day because I did not know how US’s schools are. Well, it was a day that I understood a lot of things about the school’s classes and a lot of other things. At first when I sat in class everything was so new to me, the students, the teachers, and my classmates. It was a little bit difficult cause I did not know how to make friends, how to talk to them, how to ask for help but after a few days it was a little good. And the first days the classes was so boring to me because if didn’t even know what is teacher talking about, what is the lesson about, what I am learning about, the first week of school was so bad, after one and two weeks, finally I found some friends and it was a little bit good, until I learned English and understand about the school rules, the teachers the subjects and the classes. When I learned a little bit English, I could make friends and not be alone in classes, and finally after a few months everything was ok than the first days. I had some friends that I could ask for help with the assignments and some other things. And that was my first school that I went to for 2 months in Chicago. After that we moved to Seattle we stayed in a hotel until we got home. And here I started school from 9th grade in Dimmit middle school. And it was a little better than my other school because I knew some rules and something about the new school and teachers. In Chicago’s school there was no Afghan students but, in that school, there was a lot of Afghan students, and they became my friends, it was fun in school. It was not that boring, and I liked it. The lesson that I learned in my life is, everything is going to be ok it just take times.

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when all this was happening, I forgot about the game and everything I realized I had more stuff to do out there, but I still play the game sometimes, as it started to get dark, I left walking home, I pulled out my phone and went on TikTok I was surprised I saw a video of not getting enough sleep I was flabbergasted. it said that your brain slowly eats itself when there's not enough sleep. ran to my house because it was getting to late outside as I made it home took a shower ate and left to my room and took a nice snooze. "Sweet dreams"

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In 2020 I found myself in Kabul Afghanistan a city steeped in history and vibrant culture. The bustle streets, I love the Afghan food (kebabs ,Kabuli pulao) And who could forget the Afghan eggs lamb kebab a breakfast delight that warmed your soul on chilly mornings.

But life took an unexpected turn. I left behind the familiar sights and sounds, bidding farewell to your homeland. The USA became your new canvas—a place where dreams and challenges converged. As you stepped onto American soil, you felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The language barrier posed hurdles, yet you discovered a bridge through the glow of your computer screen.

School became your sanctuary, a melting pot of cultures. I met classmates from every corner of the globe, their accents weaving a rich tapestry of humanity. Conversations flowed, sometimes stumbling over words, but always fueled by curiosity. And the food—oh, the food! The USA’s culinary landscape dazzled you. Yes, some dishes seemed reminiscent of far-off lands, but isn’t that the beauty of cultural exchange?

So, my friend, embrace this chapter. Learn English, share stories, and savor each meal. For within those bites lies the essence of your journey—a fusion of flavors, a symphony of experiences.

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Before the story starts I was 10 years old I was in my City Kunar, Afghanistan . Kunar is located Next to Jalalabad. When I was in Kunar , I like the foods there because they are so good . The mountains are so beautiful they remind me of the snow mountains, the water are so clear like a glass and the people are nice to each other, one day I was walking home from a store and in the doorstep suddenly my family told me that we are going to United States in couple of days I was sad and happy I was sad because I didn't know nobody there in United States and I was happy because we will have good life in United States. then my neighbor know about that we are going to united states in couple days and we all were happy and we celebrated and then the day came that we were going to United States all of my family were crying like a rain and then we left the house we got in the car and then we left my great City Knuar, and we went to Jalalabad it was 3-hour Drive to Jalalabad we stayed there for 1 hour so the car can get cool down and we can eat something we eat some kabob and then we left Jalalabad and we drive for 5 hours we were in Kabul the airport was in Kabul then we were in the airport our flight was in the evening we stayed there for couple hours and then our flight was ready we got in the airplane it was my first time in a airplane and there was a lot of passengers and then we flight for 2 days and then we arrived to United States in and one of my dad's best friend he was waiting outside of the airport and he picked us up and we went to his house and we stayed there for one week and then we got our own house and it was big house and there was lot of Afghan family living next to us. But I didn’t want to go outside because I was sad because I missed my family in Afghanistan and  I didn't know nothing about United States and I didn't know how to speak English and I didn't have friends but one day a kid came to our house he was in a Afghan and he brings us some food and then we ate the food it was good and then my mom told me to go outside and play with that kid and then I went outside to play with that kid but he had lot of friends so I went next to them and he told his friends that I was new here and then his friends were asking me what was my name and I said my name is Haider and then they said nice to meet you Haider and they said their name were Omer and Elham and Aftab and Shahab and Abid and then I asked them when did you guys came to United States and then they said we came to United States 2015 and then they said. How did you came to United States because My dad was in Special Force that's why we came to America and to have a good life…..

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by Helen Sultan.

I lived in Afghanistan. I lived in the capital city called Kabul, my life was good. I understood what was going on around me. I could speak the language. There was a war going on, and it was not saved, I was happy. It was my home, and nothing could make me hate it.

All my life I've been traveling around.  I never believe I would leave my country for a long time. But in 2021, when the Taliban take Kabul, my family had to leave, because it was not safe anymore. Leaving Afghanistan wasn't new to me but leaving it for a long time and knowing that might never return really hurt my heart.

The day that I had to leave Afghanistan. The Taliban had just taken over Kabul. Everyone was running around in shock and fear. I already have my green card. So I could go to America, so my family got ready, and went to the airport. When I stepped into the airport, the only thing I was worried about was not how I would get there safely, but it was when I would turn back to my home to the smell of the streets of my country, my best friends, my family, my valley, everything that I was leaving behind.

Everything changed when I came to the United States. I had already come to the States about three months before that, but I didn't have to stay there for long. I didn't have to adjust to being in the United States. Now that I was here, I had to start learning a new language and, not being able to speak my old one, had to leave my culture behind and learn new ones.

After being in the States for this long time, it made me realize a lot of things. I am grateful for the opportunity and education that I'm given. I am grateful that I am in a safe environment, but it is also made sad that I do not have the voice that I had before. Not being able to speak my native language feels like my voice is not there anymore. In Afghanistan, I was not allowed to share my voice, but when I came to a country where I could, I didn't have a voice anymore.

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When i was 11 years old my parents tell me we want to go to America but we have problem how we can't go to America, first we don't know how to do and we don't have Visa so we just wating a long time. When i was 13 years old in my country i have war and my aunt tell to my parents we got some plans for my family and my parents want to try because want to go to America a long time ago and we starts wanting, maybe after 1-2 months it became quieter in my garden and we went on vacation, namely fishing, and closer to the evening my aunt call to my parents with good news she got positive answer and after fishing we go to home and began to gather in the field. Wehen we came to america got another problem they they delayed us for 3 or 4 hours i don't know why but after this my aunt and her family met us.

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The Voice of Change

by Dr. Marissa Winmill

I still remember the day I saw my grandmother cry. The afternoon sun streamed through the window, casting long shadows across the room as she sat at the worn wooden table, clutching a crumpled envelope in her weathered hands. Tears welled in her eyes, glistening like dewdrops on petals, as she handed me the letter.

"Apo, can you read this for me?" her voice trembled with emotion, a mix of hope and fear.

I nodded, my small fingers gingerly unfolding the paper, the scent of ink mingling with the faint aroma of copra drying from the furnace. The words blurred before me, dancing like elusive fireflies in the fading light. With each syllable I struggled to decipher, I felt the weight of my grandmother's unspoken dreams pressing down on my shoulders.

"Why can't Grandma read?" I thought, my heart heavy with sadness and indignation. "Why must she depend on me, a child, to understand the words that hold her hopes and fears?"

That moment ignited a flame within me, a fierce determination to defy the odds and break free from the shackles of illiteracy and inequality. I made a silent vow: I would get an education. I would rise above the limitations imposed by society. I would be the voice of change.

A decade later, I found myself standing at a crossroads, my journey leading me from the lush landscapes of the Philippines to the bustling streets of Texas. I had left behind the familiar comforts of home, embarking on a quest for better opportunities, brighter horizons, and the chance to rewrite my destiny.

But the path was not easy. In the unfamiliar terrain of a foreign land, I faced obstacles as towering as the skyscrapers that loomed overhead. Discrimination, isolation, and culture shock threatened to derail my dreams at every turn.

Yet, with each challenge came the opportunity to grow, to learn, and to adapt. I navigated the labyrinth of a new curriculum, mastering the intricacies of a different assessment system, and finding my footing in a world where I was the outsider. I became a national board-certified teacher which led me to serve as one of the Professional Board Educator of Washington board members, appointed by Governor Inslee.

During a national conference in Chicago, I felt like a fish out of water. As I mingled with the other delegates, I heard them introduce themselves with impressive titles and credentials. ‘Dr. Smith, professor of educational leadership at Harvard.’ ‘Dr. Jones, director of curriculum and instruction at Stanford.’ ‘Dr. Lee, superintendent of schools in New York.’ When it was my turn, I said, ‘Hi, I’m Marissa, a teacher from Washington.’ I saw their eyes glaze over, their smiles fade, their interest wane. I felt invisible, insignificant, unworthy.

And so, as I stood before them, a humble teacher from Washington, I knew that my worth was not defined by titles or credentials. It was measured by the passion in my heart, the fire in my soul, and the unwavering belief that education is the greatest equalizer of all.

In the end, it is not the titles we hold or the accolades we receive that define us. It is the knowledge we acquire, the wisdom we impart, and the legacy we leave behind. As I look back on my journey, with the Golden Apple Award, national board certification, principal credentials, and a doctorate in educational leadership, conference presenter, keynote speaker, a mother, a wife, a community servant, I am reminded that the greatest gift we can give is the gift of education—for when we educate a woman, we educate a generation.

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This day was the worst day of my life. bombed all of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. When I woke up, my whole family was sitting in the living room with scared faces. At first, I did not understand anything and was scared because I had never seen such a situation. Mom said to take a bag with warm clothes. I was shocked and panicked. Then heard a loud noise. I stood, do not taking any action. My dad said to go outside. But we live on the 20th floor and cannot use the elevator because we have an alarm system. And we went to the 1st floor on foot. When we got off, we went to the parking lot below. Many people also came there with their animals and things. There were many noisy arrivals, but everything went well. Then we got into the car and decided what we were going to do and decided to go home and think it over.

The next day we decided to go to our relatives in western Ukraine for the sake of safety. The situation in the country was bad and even worse. My mother and younger brother and I came to Italy. The border of the road was tense and stressful. We crossed the border of Poland. The Poles helped us a lot to get a ticket to Italy. I was in Italy for the first time. There are wonderful and beautiful buildings and architecture. We were in Italy for 2 months. For some reasons, we returned to Ukraine. And then we moved to the US. Where I finished middle school.

When I moved to Kent it was my first day at a new school.

When I came to KM. I did not know anyone. I didn't speak English well and didn't ask because I was afraid, I'd say something wrong. I was modest and shy. Many nations and people speak different languages in this school. Then I met Elvira in the gym because we had some games on the first day of school. Then I went to my first class, it was English. I was nervous in English, I met a teacher Bistrica and a girl, her name is Yulia. They are also from Ukraine. After I met these people, I felt very comfortable. If I can't do or say something, I can ask Ms. Bistrica for help. Then I had my second class. The history teacher sat me down with a girl I did not know. At the first we did not talk. But suddenly she asked my name and where I was from. Her name is Natasha, she is also from my country. When I met Natasha, she was very helpful with how to do some tasks on my laptop because it was a new program for me. Natasha has been at this school for almost two years, and she knows how to use it. The moment when I met Natasha, I became confident in myself, I realized that I can always ask for help. I'm scared because there are so many nations in this school, but when I met all these people, I realized that I'm not alone.

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When I was 5 years old, I was living in Guatemala with my mom, grandfather, and my brother. It was fun for me to live in my country becase I lived with my grandfather and he took care of me and my brothers too and he made us food and when I broke my arm he always took care of me and I miss him he is in Gutemala. And one day I decided to go with my friends to cut mangoes and when I fell my friends got scared and ran to tell their mothers and my grandfather that I was at home eating and from there he took me to the hospitals in El Salvador. I was worried that they were going to take my arm away or so I thought This happened because I was playing with my friends and I climbed a pole and grabbed a dry branch and the branches broke and I fell too and then I went to my house and my grandfather called his brother because he can touch me and he rubbed my arm and

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My story is based on the time I was going to die because I fell from a horse. It was a normal day as always when I and my grandfather went to bring the cows to a pasture every afternoon, but that day I told my grandfather that I I wanted to go and bring them alone and I went alone, first I grabbed the horse so that it would be easier for me to bring the cows and when I already brought the cows there was one that went up a very steep mountain and I decided to go up with the horse and lower the cow It had gone up and when I was already bringing it down I couldn't get a good grip on the horse's clinch and I fell and hit my head and after I fell I touched my head and I had blood on my hand and I decided to go and stop. the house and tell my grandfather what had happened to me but the place where he hit me is a weak area of ​​the head and after minutes I began to vomit a yellow liquid and after that I lost my memory and I don't remember what else happened When I regained consciousness it was when I was already in a hospital.

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My first day at Mead High School which was my first school in the United States I remember the first person I saw was my English teacher. She came to me, and she said: " Hi! I am Petronia your English teacher." I said hi back to her. I felt so good, because I thought what if everyone would be nice like my English teacher. She gave us a tour of the whole school. I wasn't alone, there was some Afghan students who had class with me together. On my way to my class, she asked me:" How old are you?" I said " I'm 15" she was so impressed with my English. She told me "Oh your English is pretty good." At first, I felt so stressed, because I thought they will be so mean to me, but things did well, more than what I was expecting. I found friends, I had lunch with them together and over time I got used to school and the school lunch. Before I went to Mead, I was in Mount Spokane High School, which was far away from our house, so that's why they moved us to Mead High School. The first day when I went there, I didn't feel as bad as I felt in Mount Spokane High School, because I had some experience, and I knew some of the students there. We lived in the same neighborhood and some of them were on our school bus. Since I entered the school, everyone was staring at me, because I was a little different from other students, I was wearing a hijab and I spoke a different language. I was feeling stressed, and I was so nervous to meet new students and new teachers, but luckily things went better than what I was expecting. My teacher was so nice to me, they helped me a lot and I made new friends. My favorite teacher was my science teacher. I learned a bunch of stuff in her class, her teaching method was the best. I also made some friends in the cafeteria during lunchtime, and I am still in contact with some of them. I learned that always believe in myself and never be shame of my culture and clothing

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NEW EXPIRIANCE

My first day at an American school was extremely exciting and memorable. As a new student, I felt excited and at the same time full of hope to meet new friends and adjust to a new learning environment.

The morning, I arrived at school, the diversity of nationalities and cultures I saw amazed me. I quickly realized that an American school is a place where different cultures merge into one, interacting with each other and enriching each other.

When I arrived and I was happily surprised by the positive and friendly attitude of the class towards me. They were kind and helpful, especially when I had difficulties with the language. I tried not to use an interpreter to learn the language as quickly as possible,

The breaks between classes were also very exciting and interesting but short. I gradually made friendships with different students who opened up a world of diverse cultures, traditions and customs to me. Over lunch we talked about our home countries, exchanged ideas and views on the world and it was truly inspiring.

During the lessons, I was impressed with the freedom to express myself and interact with the teacher. I had the opportunity to ask questions, share my opinions, and was encouraged to develop critical and creative thinking. In the American school, the pedagogical process was not reduced to mere absorption of information, but rather emphasized the active participation of each student.

Of course, the first day at the American school was also a test of my existing knowledge and skills. The new teaching system and a different approach to the learning process required adaptation and effort on my part. However, thanks to the support of my new friends and teacher, I overcame this challenge and felt that real education is not only about learning material, but also about self-development and development of interpersonal skills.

At the end of the day, I left the school with a sense of pride and a great desire to continue my studies in an American school. The first day left an unforgettable impression on me and gave me the opportunity to meet many different people. I realized that an American school is a place where every student has the opportunity to reach their potential and find their place in a team where every student is valued and respected.

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What Happens When You're Not Used To Taking The School Bus And Leaving Your House Earlier?

A day before I miss the school bus for first time I went to my bed at 12:40 a.m. and then I sleep and I woke up at 5:20 a.m., I brush my teeth’s, I took a shower and I put my clothes on after that I saw the time and it was at 6:15 a.m. and I realize that I had 31 minutes before the time that I have to leave my house to go to bus stop because the bus came to the bus stop at 6:47 a.m. so I took a breakfast and I didn't saw the time anymore because I didn't realize how much time past because I was so concentrate taking my breakfast. Then I saw the time and It was at 6:47 and then I run so fast and I didn't locked my house door but then when I was running I saw how the bus stops and then it go then I went back to my house and I called my mom and I told her that I miss the bus after that I stayed at my home because my mom couldn't bring me to school because she was working. After that I change on the way that I always watch what time is it and I try to do things faster for that don't miss the bus again and If I want to or have to do more things in the morning I have to wake up earlier. I learn that when I saw that the bus left me because If I take one more minute, I can lose classes and if that happens again and again I can get bad grades and I'm not going to be able to get graduate at time. After experienced that I realize that I have to try to go to sleep early in that way I'm going to wake up early and I'm not going to take too much time while I'm getting ready and I'm going to have too much time for take a breakfast.

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One day I was playing with my friends in the park, then my mom called me to go out to eat, and when we were at dinner with the whole family, my mom told us that she was going to go to the USA. At that time we lived in Honduras. Because that's where we were from, she told us that to have more opportunities to be well and have a good study, and it was very sad for everyone when she decided that, but we understood it, then time passed and she called us that she was already in the USA and she told us that he was going to send me and my brothers to bring me and my brothers, then I and my brothers went with the company of my uncle because my mother asked him to not be alone, but after we arrived in Mexico they sent us to a shelter for minors and My uncle visited me and my brothers, one of my brothers was the oldest, he was with my younger brother and I with my older sister, they in the men's area and me and my sister in the women's area. Then they spent months in immigration and Finally we were able to get out of there and when it happened it was something very unforgettable and we went with my uncle then we were in Mexico for a day, while my mother arranged her immigration papers and a few months passed and the time came to meet with my mother and at the same time Seeing her again was something very nice. Afterwards we all went to eat and live with her and I thank God for bringing us all together again.♡

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The story that changed my life and made me a better person. I was born in Durango Mexico and I always had a united family with normal problems but we always tried to solve them to have a healthy relationship between my family members. When I was 7 years old my dad decided to come to the United States to work for a while because they wanted to save money. But when he returned  to Mexico, something was no longer right in my family. Something had changed with my dad since his way of thinking was not the same since before he left for the United States. From that time on, problems began to exist more frequently in my family until when I was 14 years old the problems were too big. One day, after the problems in my family began to get worse, my mother was already desperate and didn't know what to do, so she had a conversation with one of my aunts who lives in the United States and wanted to help her and she told him that we did want to come to the United States and that we would also have better study and life opportunities, so my mother made up her mind and chose for us to come to the United States. So after that we had approximately 3 months to leave everything in my country and start a new life. A week before we went to my relatives' house every day to say goodbye and that was very difficult for the 3 of us since we didn't know when we would see them again. Just as my dad didn't believe the idea that we were leaving and he was going to stay in Mexico without us. When the time finally came to come, it was something that not even we believed since we lived many experiences alone that we never thought would happen from getting on a plane for the first time, getting to know other cities without my dad and moving to another country to form a new life. It was a long trip since Washington is one of the northernmost states in the United States and when we finally managed to arrive a week later we managed to get into school but my sister and I had been assigned to different schools, which was very strange. We had always been together so that also made it more difficult as well as the language for us was very difficult and we felt desperate to the point that we no longer wanted to be here and we began to feel the need to return to my country. Over time we began to get used to it a little more, however it was not easy for us, despite that we began to make new friends and met many people and with their help we were also able to feel a little more comfortable. We were also able to quickly understand the language and begin to improve our level in English, but nevertheless we continued to miss our families and friends and we continued to feel alone, but as the days and months passed, we accepted that we could be better here. Currently we have felt more comfortable and we are comfortable being here, we have learned to value the people we love and know that we have to have time for everything because we do not know when we will stop seeing them, as well as we have also learned to be more united and always support each other. in any situation, and know that if we set our minds to something we can achieve it and that every sacrifice always has its reward and that you have to be patient because everything that happens in your life happens for a reason. And that is my story of how I started a new life…

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When I arrived here, I arrived with my two brothers, my mother was already here, we saw her again after 4 months, I don't remember very well, but for me it was a long time to be away from her. It was difficult for me when I came with my brothers, I felt like I played the role of She played the role of mother, I took good care of my brothers along the way.

My brother, the youngest, was only 9 years old. He got sick. I worried a lot. I had to take care of both of them so that nothing would happen to them. Everything we went through was not easy at all, but I feel happy now to be here with all my family, we decided to come here to the United States after the 3 months that my dad left us, he never spent time with us so we don't feel much about the fact that he has gone with another family, after we had already been two years old. Being here in this country he looked for us but it was too late. but well, when I came to the United States with my family, I arrived in Los Angeles, I was there for a while, but then I came to Seattle because my mother's uncles were there, and then they told me that I had to go to school. , but I didn't go for a while. Then after that time I went to school and met a lot of new people from different countries, different cultures and made new friends. Coming to this country took me a bit to get used to something new. It was also difficult because my other family stayed in my country, El Salvador, like my cousins, aunts, etc.

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When I came to the United States with my family, I arrived in Los Angeles, I was there for a while, but then I came to Seattle because my mom's uncle and aunt were here, and then they told me I had to go to school, but I didn't go for a while. Then after that time I went to school and met many new people from different countries, different cultures and made new friends. Coming to this country was a little difficult for me to get used to something new. It was also difficult because my other family stayed in my country, El Salvador, like my cousins, aunts, etc.

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Me and my travel.

Approximately 4 years ago my dad started to think about the idea to emigrate, the idea was origin by my dad’s friends so they were thinking about that idea for a while until one day they decided to start his travel after 2 months traveling my dad finally could entered to United state.

Now my story starts here, after one year my dad working in Dallas, Texas my dad called me because he wanted to, I move here I wasn’t sure about it because I had a normal life, but my dad told me that he felt alone here so I decided to come because of my dad.

After my dad and I took the decision to change my life by move to a new country I was so excited and so scared at the same time I remember the I didn’t have my passport yet, so I had to spend a whole week in Managua (capital of Nicaragua) because the migration system is relative slow.

Once I already had my passport, I started to get information about the travel, because I was 16 when I moved here I couldn’t go out from my country by myself so my mom went with me until Guatemala then I traveled by myself (and the coyote)  ,I’m not going to lie the worst part of my travel was in Mexico because the people that I met there wasn’t good persons (in specially police).

But after all that was possibly come to here and I enjoyed my travel because after all everything is an adventure in this life we are here to explorer before our moment for leave arrive.

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In 2021 I was in Venezuela in the Tachira State next to Colombia. i lived with my aunt Yury. I trained kenpo and used to go out with my friends. and sometimes I like to go see cousins and spend some time playing. Then my mom called me to talked that we were going to go USA. I was scared and sad. I didn't want leave my family and friends in Venezuela.

I remember when I said goodbye to my aunt, it was very sad for me. I saw me again who was working abroad and we met some relatives in Bogota and on December 28rd I had to leave with my mother. I felt sad because I spent Christmas away from my family but at least I had my mother to spend that Christmas with and in Mexico City we had to take another flight to Mexicali where officers extorted us and took money from my mother to get us on the plane

Then when we arrived at Mexicali other officers extorted again and after taking a taxi we got in and it seemed the police were in agreement with the taxi where the police later stopped us for money and finally leaving the airport other police officers extorted us. Because the anecdote may be a little funny, it wasn't, for that night I remember seeing my mother a little scared and sad, she seemed like she wanted to cry. In my point of view, a lot of the immigration in Mexico turns out to be corrupt and that they take advantage of the immigrants who many times they don't have much money but in the end we manage to get to the hotel where we stayed that night.

Before taking the flight, the Mexican immigration police charged my mother money and later at the Mexicali airport they charged my mother money again and when leaving by taxi, other police officers charged my mother money and I was able to leave. From the airport, unfortunately, other police officers stopped the taxi so they could charge me more money. The truth is, I was very scared.

After all that we were able to rest in a hotel with my mother and prepare for the next day where a coyote was able to help us take us to the border where we were going to turn ourselves in to immigration and in reality it was not very difficult but after he grabbed us Immigration in the United States, my mother and I were happier but after that we stayed for about 2 to 3 days in a tent where they only gave us burritos and apples and water. The only different food was on December 31st where we got some cold sandwiches. but we were happy that it was something different. The next day we were able to leave and they took us to some hotels in Texas where we didn't stay about 2 days before leaving for Washington where I was received by my cousins.

Thanks to this experience I am what I am today, that I was able to go through a somewhat painful journey and I had to leave all my previous life, I managed to be here, I was able to meet new friends, create a new life here, but with the difference that now I am a better person

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My story about moving to USA. Some of the days I come to home after hangout with my friends, then I found out we move to USA I was so excited but didn't want to move because I just met with real friends.

My father wanted moving to USA about 4 years ago, he watched a lot of videos about it and get new information. We decided to go through Mexico because there were a lot of sanctions in Russia and we couldn’t get a visa.

When we arrived to America i was like "I can't be here" it was so bored. And after six month this moving change whole my life, I met with new friends, I'm went to new school, I start pray for my family to get better life here.

American School was my dream, I watched the movie about cool Football players, they are drive the car at the school. Some of my biggest dream was be a basketball player and here my dream can come true. I have a good team who support me when I need this. A lot of the people around the world dream of living here, I really appreciate everything my parents do, they gave me the opportunity to live better!!!

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when i was in AFG i come to the airport with my dad and he told me that if you want go the U.S.A you can go i don't wane come to her with out of my family but that was so kuaka my mam was thinking that im in AFG she was saying come to home we need something from the stor i then i told her im in U.S.A she say i cant believe you and she cut my call that was so hart for me on that time i was on my uncle house i shou to her my uncle then she believe me

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A sad story in Afghanistan in 2018. I was 12 years old. One day my mother really wanted to have a child. After 11 years, my mother got pregnant. When my mother's baby was born a month ago, my father went to work a week ago and my mother stayed for another week. When she gave birth, we were worried about my father coming back. When my father was killed by the Taliban, my mother gave birth and my sister was born. My mother asked and told me where my husband is. my grandfather ? He said: Your husband is dead, he was killed by the Taliban, he is no longer in this world. She became seriously ill and slowly we led our life alone. My sister grew up but she is 6 years old and this is a very sad story of our life.

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The day I Left my country in that time I made my parents very sad when I came to USA. My parents said go brother some said go son and that time they make me cry. Then when I sit inside the plane I remember my family In that time we are playing and happy to live together. I feel so sad and pilot want going to fly plane in that time. I understand why parents are important like Dad, mom and all my sister, grandmother, grandfather and uncle aunt. And I really remember when I was born in that place I really love my village. In from Kathmandu I travel 24 hour in airplane and when I came USA I think my self if today my parents are here with me I am really happy. And then I join USA high school that school name is Thomas Jefferson high school.

When I was live in Nepal that time is very fun time with my family and my school friends. I enjoy every Saturday with my all friend we all go to river and some beautiful place to visit in the motorcycle and I go to long drive with all my classmate friends. We play snow and I eat some food which I like in Nepal me and my friends have same problem like our parents said don't go out side and I can't think that word because Me and my friends like to travel every Saturday. One day my friend said what's your goal and I said my goal is to be Army and same question I said them some friend said I want to be Police army some said engineer. But our think is very good about the goal. And when I said that time my USA visa is success my friends said that's great they said now you are going USA and I said yes and they are very sad with me because I left them they said don't forget us and I said ok. And then also I tock with all my friends when I have free time like after school at home or complete my assignment.

When I join USA high school that school name is Thomas Jefferson High school and I totally continue to study in that school I found three four student from Nepal and I also talk them but they are senior more then me some 11 grade some 12 grade I can't find Nepali boy in that school I found only girl. I read one year in that school and up to 1 year. I get good grade like each every subject I got A and B.

When I live my village that time was very funny with my sister and brother and also I enjoy with all my village community person some other my villagers friends. we live lot of years maybe 15 years in that village then we made

another house in the different place. And then we left that villagers house we suggest villagers people if any body want to stay in our house you can come but nobody can come then after we left that house but in this time my sister will go to see our house we all family love that house.

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In the year 2022, I was at my house with my family when a talk came out that I was going to come to the United States. After they organized everything, they bought me my necessary things for the trip. It took almost a day to arrive in California. I arrived in California, I stayed with my uncles on the first day. I remember arriving. I felt strange because I didn't know the family. It was strange for me, but little by little I got to know them. They enrolled me in school so that I could learn English and be able to communicate with them. Other people or to get a job put me in a school called Thomas Jefferson. It was a middle school. It was a very good school because it taught those who were just coming to school. On the first day of school, I felt strange because I didn't know anyone, but then the teacher did. an assignment so that all of us in the class could get to know each other and not feel strange. I met my friends, we were always together, we were never separated, we didn't take the same classes and that was the good thing, I liked being with my friends playing or talking about our lives and that's what we asked about what you liked to do in your free time. After that they told me to come here to Washington so I could study more. The first day I got here I met a lot of my dad's family that I never met. I feel good to be here. Here with family, living with everyone, the truth is that it is a good habit to be with my family. The first day of school was strange. I didn't know people, I didn't even know them, but I only knew a boy who was always with me and helped me in my classes because he didn't know much English. and then he taught me all my classes and I told the teachers that I was new and then I started to meet more people, the school was fun and the people and the teachers were good to me

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MOST OF MY LIFE I WAS IN MEXICO BUT WHAT WAS IT LIKE RETURNING TO THE UNITED STATES?

Before this story I was in MEXICO with my family and friends studying the 3rd grade of secondary when one day I thought about what I wanted for my future, if I stayed if I was going to enjoy more time with my family but there was also a problem and that is that life is a little more complicated in Mexico either because of the economy,   health or safety, but back to history; my parents immigrated to the United States, Several years ago when I was not yet born my immigrated to the United States along with my two Brothers who at that time were small, but they managed to get to the United States after them lasted a while in the United States my mom had my sister and then I was born in the United States I lasted 3 years here in the United States and my parents they took me to Mexico. and in Mexico I lived in three different places, the first place I arrived was the Jalisco slope and I have been living with my grandmother for 5 years, after that time my parents decided to move to Talpa de Allende, in Talpa I only lasted 4 years and the last place I moved was Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, which there was where I studied high school and where I have most of my friends, in total I lasted 12 years in Mexico. During everything. After those years passed, my parents decided that it would be a good idea for me to travel to the United States so that I could study high school, work a little, and learn a little of the language.  and for me to learn to do things on my own and responsibly.  Apart from the fact that a few years ago I had a brother who had passed through the United States as an immigrant, so I would come to live with him and my sister who also lived there with my brother.  which was completely different. My life changed when I came to the United States because before I lived with my parents and now I live with my siblings and I don't have the same friends either and this is kind of sad, but now I made a little more friends, and that's the moment that has changed the most in my life.    I'm left with the idea that being away from your parents is a bit difficult and sad, but at the end of every sacrifice there is a reward.

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Before the story beging i was living on the south cost of Guatemala it was almost the end of the winter well some day my aunt that lives on California Call my dad and said that we should do to the counsol office t guatemala city because we should take pictures and answer some questions to get our resident I want to stay at my country because i live there for about 15 years i feel litle worried about the change that i will live it was the 2 of december 2021 we take a fly to come to U.S and it feel different on all the possible ways clime people streets house it looks that if i was on the capital of my country i realize that i should skipp my english class at Guatemala and i learn that U.S is not to bad as other latin people say on videos

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When i was 11 years old my parents tell me we want to go to America but we have problem how we can't go to America, first we don't know how to do and we don't have Visa so we just wating a long time. When i was 13 years old in my country i have war and my aunt tell to my parents we got some plans for my family and my parents want to try because want to go to America a long time ago and we starts wanting, maybe after 1-2 months it became quieter in my garden and we went on vacation, namely fishing, and closer to the evening my aunt call to my parents with good news she got positive answer and after fishing we go to home and began to gather in the field. Wehen we came to america got another problem they they delayed us for 3 or 4 hours i don't know why but after this my aunt and her family met us.

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Before this story started, I was in Kabul, Afghanistan. Afghanistan is the beautiful country with great foods and weather. Four years before we came to a America, at that time my father know that my family would going to the America, and my mom and my sister was very excited. When we came to America my dad got a job and my sister and I started going to school. When we started school, my sister was going to the fourth grade, and I went to the nine grades. The first day of school was very hard because we were new in America, and When I came to America, I did not Know English. After 3 years, I learned everything. And I found a job and then I was very happy. Because I am helping my family, and also my family supports me with my lessons, and they encouraged me to do good things and I learned to be patient with everyone. After these things I turn to 18 years old, and my father helped me to get my license and after 2 months i bought a car for myself the car was very good and beautiful. One day, I was at the store to get some fruit when I got the fruit I exited from the store, and I was in street and I got an accident with tree and my car broke down a lot.

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Before this story started, I was in Viet Nam. Viet Nam is the beautiful country with a great food, and everyone is charitable. Two years before we went to America, at that time, my father did not know that my family would go to America, so 2 years before that my house was renovated and I only stayed there for 6 months and then my family moved to America. My family's life in Vietnam is also quite prosperous. I still remember that one day I had just come home from school and my mother picked me up and we went on a motorbike and my mother said that “we would move to America”. When I knew I was going to America, I told my friends and they were happy for me, because in my country, if students want to go to 10th grade, they have to take the entrance exam and that exam. There's a lot of pressure because we have to get high scores to be able to enter the environment you want. That's why when I found out I was going to America, I no longer had pressure for that exam, but I still took the exam because I didn't want to miss it and my score was also quite high because I took the exam in a comfortable mood because I knew I didn't study in Vietnam. After the exam are the day I hung out with friends and family a lot. I had a delighted here with the people I love most. The day before we go to America, I go with my friend again and eat all the Vietnam food with them, and we have lot of fun time together. After that I go home and prepare my things to go. That last night in Vietnam I sleep with my grandparents because they don't go with our family. At that time, I don't want to go because I'll miss my grandparents a lot. In the morning my grandma wakes me up and she makes food for me to eat. The food is noodles, and I really cherish this. Then we went to the airport and started a flight to America. When My family step into America everything open.

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i was in chuuk 11 years ago, i was about 12 years old, i was playing with my lil brother, and we were playing with the valley ball

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My Journey to the USA In 2021 I arrived at the USA,  and first we went to Qatar and I was there for 1 day  and the other day we went  to Germany and we were there for 2 days and we went to Washington D.C  and then we went to camp in Texas I have been there for 6th month and  I was happy because in camp  was  a lot of  people and I found a best friend and were together every day and  we went to cafeteria in camp she moved from camp to the Arizona, and I was alone for three month I was so sad, and camp was so boring for me.

and we came to Washington state, and we are so tired, and our case worker is bringing us to Tacoma for two weeks and I was so happy because anything I want, I can buy from the store, and we moved from that house and were in hotel for two weeks. and we moved from that hotel to another hotel in Seattle and I love Seattle because it was beautiful, and we were for two months in Seattle, and we moved from Seattle to the federal way, and we lived in federal way.

in federal we lived in a apartments and were for two years there I went to federal way high school and I started school from 9 grade the first day of school  I can't found my classes and I found  a girl and she help me to find my class and next day of school I found more friend and they know my language and sometimes I talk to them and they help me  and I can’t spoke English and I didn’t know anything and  I don’t know how to use computer  and I didn’t talk to anyone because I didn’t know what they said and I was sad that I can’t speak English when I was in 10 grade I learn little bit English and I learn how to use computer the teacher help me how to use computer my all teacher was so honest.

in 2023 we moved from federal way to the Kent, and I was so sad because my friend was In  federal way, and I was alone again, and I started go to another school  Kent meridian high school and I started school  from 11 grade in Kent meridian high school in the first day when I came to KM I was surprise because it’s very big school and I found friend and she help me to find my classes and I still in Kent meridian high school.

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Best Friend for Ever.

In 2022 I arrive in the USA. The first place that we lived there was Redmond, a city that felt as cold and unwelcoming as a winter’s night. and I didn’t have any friends and life was boring for me. I thought that I would never have a friend there, and I played with my brother but as soon my brother found a friend there, he stopped playing with me leaving me alone like a ship lost at sea. Redmond became even more boring for me. I was alone all by myself and we stayed at the hotel for 3 months.

One day our caseworker, a beacon of hope in our uncertain lives, came to my mom’s room and said that he had found a home for us in Kent. We came to look at the house. On September 23 moved   from Redmond to Kent leaving behind the boring hotel. When we arrived in Kent, I saw lots of girls that they are same as my age. Her laughing was like a sunny day. But there was a girl that was the same as me, she was joking lots like me. And she was playing with her friend. I looked at her for a long time. Thinking that she wouldn’t be my friend because she already had a lot of friends like a star in the night sky.

When school started, it was a sunny day. I promise better days ahead. She became 9 grade and I sat at the bus all by myself feeling lonely. I talk with myself: I hope this school year will be better than last year so I can find new friends. Then she sat next to me, she said Hi to me. I asked her are you new at this school. She says yes.  I was so happy she asked my name, and we sat on the bus together. She was the one that started the conversation, and I was so happy that she became my friend, and we went everywhere together. She became my bestie and I love her so much she is like my sister. We go everywhere together.

She was always with me. She has the same lunch as me. We even had the same lunch on Wednesday. We were soul sisters. Her friendship was a constant in my life. She became my bestie as dear to me as a sister.

I realize that she is the best person in my life as a shining star in my universe. I promise myself that I will never make her sad. I will be with her even in a bad situation and I don't want to leave her, and I never leave her alone.

After winter break, she moved out from Kent and she went to Tacoma and now she is 27 minutes away from me, but we still call each other, our voices a lifeline across the miles. and we are still best friends and I still love her.

I wish to see her again. My longing was as intense as the midday sun, but we will be best friends forever and always our friendship as enduring as the mountains. Distance won’t change our bond as unyielding as the tide. Having a best friend is one of life’s most precious gifts. A true friend is a companion who will be there for you no matter. You can be 100% yourself around them with no judgment and they’ll love and support you though thick and thin. Remember a best friend isn’t just a name, it’s someone who’s there for you no matter what.

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In 2022, I came to America. I used to dream of coming to America. But, I didn't believe that its going to happen . One day my parents told me that we are going to USA . What ? What is going on?! I was so confused , like are you kidding me ? I not slept all night , I was happy and nervous . Dad’s brothers helped us, they have been in America for a long time. At first , it was hard to get used to , but over time it went away and got better. I was very worried about how I would study at an American school , because I didn’t know English , but the I met some girls and we became friends. But I still miss my friends from Ukraine. One day we found out that war had started in Ukraine , we were very upset. But then we thought about the time we came to America . No need to worry and think about different things.

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I was in Mexico 14 years ago, I was about 4 years old, I was playing with my sister, and we were playing blowing bubbles and some other things, but my grandmother told us that we were just throwing soap at her and she snatched it from my hands and well , my sister and we stopped playing but that's why I took the chemical because they gave me without supervision so I didn't know what to do because I was just a child who didn't know that's why I almost died. I still remember that day, I just remember that my mom was cleaning and even though she was coughing, my mom got upset and I told my sister to go see me, she was all purple, I couldn't breathe, but they saved me.

Since my grandmother didn't let us play at all, I wanted to drink water and since my grandmother was angry I decided not to go into the house because she was going to give me a sermon, then I saw a bottle of water but it wasn't water, it was a special chemical for painting. . It seems that a 4-year-old person doesn't know what a chemical is that can kill you with the first drink. Despite coughing, my mother realized it and told my sister to see me when I arrived. My lips were already purple and all, but they gave me milk and became thick enough to breathe. Then they called the ambulance and since we lived 1 hour from the nearest hospital, it took them about 20 minutes to get to the scene. Then my mom went with me, she was with me the whole time, we got to the hospital, they had to do a stomach pump, they put a hose in my stomach. throat to be able to have my stomach pumped was difficult for me but more so for my mother who almost lost me but thank God I am fine.

What changed me the most was that now even if they get angry with you should go in where it is safe and there are good things, don't make the same mistake, so think twice before doing anything that includes a bottle of water that is outside on the patio Please, children who read this, do not take anything that is outside, think about it and ask for permission.

For me there have been quite a few changes in my life but the biggest one was when I was a child and I took the wrong chemical, but I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't taken it, maybe it would have been something different or it would have been something more normal, no. I know. HE. All I know is that I've had to change my entire way of thinking because at what time do I have to think twice before drinking something or doing something?

What I asked myself now before starting the story was what would happen if I had not taken the chemical, how the things that had happened would have happened, would I be here or where would I have the same friends as today if I had not done so. so. so. so. Did you not take the chemical or did you not take it? Would I still be in Mexico? These are questions I ask myself about what my life would have been like if I hadn't taken the chemical.

These are the questions I ask myself every day, which is why I think twice before doing anything.

I ask people who read my story to please try to hide any chemicals so that their children don't go through the same thing as me.

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MY FIRST WORK

I think that any job has its difficulty but I think that the hardest job is in the field since some require strength and mentality. Because if you don't know, your body may get used to not doing anything. but I also think that without crops there is no gastronomy. (WRITE HERE) My first job was in the ranch field in Mexico. When I was with my cousin they called us to go to work. When we finished they gave me 100 pesos. like 5 dollars. When that happened I was 9 years old. When I went to work they made us plant when the tractor started, some of them stood behind it to follow its pace, we finished after 4 or 3 hours since the field was not that big.One of the things that worried me was that they didn't pay me enough since I was one of the youngest members of the group and I was worried that they would pay me less than the others. but the good thing is that they paid me well. since those few pesos they gave me were something with which I could buy many things.I don't think things have changed because that job is still being done. But I still like what it's like to work in the field because it was something I liked and something that caught my attention.Now I can very easily get those 100 pesos that before were something impossible to get. Now things are going a little better for me since I see that the dollar is worth more than the Mexican peso.

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Before I came to the U.S. on Oct 30, 2022. I lived in Afghanistan, with my whole family in a house.

One night we ate our dinner suddenly someone called my dad and said we made a flight for you and your family that night changed our life forever.

I mean when I was a child, I was scared about people I couldn't talk with people with a teacher just talked with my own family and my friends but at school and the parties, I was nervous and embarrassed.

I wrote about my life in the past and what happened in my life; Before I came to the U.S. on Oct. 30 2022 I lived in Afghanistan, Jalalabad with my whole family in a house my grandmom lived with us and my granddad died when my dad was 10 years old I have a big family there are 3 uncles and 1 aunt and also a lot cousin and every weekend we went each other house we went to another province for our SIV case for 3 months we stayed in Kabul then we moved to Qatar Doha after that, we moved to America.

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The end of my story is that despite everything I had great courage to be here in this country so dreams come true if you believe them and fight for them I spent a month in the shelterbecause they come alone without their parents my nights were sometimes sad for being in that place well One only had to obey and wait until the day to leave there. I had a problem. They couldn't let me leave that place since they had a problem with their system. I was there until my birthday, but it was worth the wait and finally I was able to. meet with my family. When I arrived in Mexico I spent it driving until I got to the USA so when I arrived I was in a juvenile center with many young people my age I met many people and I made friends with them, I was there for a month and then the moment came where I had to leave there I was very happy to know that it would be my first time on a plane.

That was a great experience I had. This story is important to me because when I was in Honduras I wanted to be a person who would fight for my dreams and achieve my goals. I wanted to get ahead. I felt a little sad when I left my country for leaving my family, but inside I felt happy knowing that will make a good future YOU NOW: Having experienced this change, what do you now realize that you hadn’t before (at the start of the story?) Often this is where we pull out a larger lesson or idea that the reader/listener is left with.

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My first performance (Musical School, 2016)

Everything started with a beautiful morning and a bit of nervousness. Every minute I was more and more nervous. I asked my mom to do a beautiful hair and I was wearing the most beautiful dress in my wardrobe. It was white and long dress. I invited a lot of my friends, family and even my neighbors.

After I coming to school, I was practicing with my teacher and then I meet my best friend who were also practicing. We sit together and here our principal coming to the stage and the concert had started. She was giving us a paper with our name and number. I was 21st. I was worried about one of my songs because one girl was playing the same one.

My turn. I`m coming on the stage and started to present what I will play. I was playing three songs and at the end I forgot the name of compositor. I was standing in shock; everyone looked at me and I`m jut standing. I`m almost started to walk without it but my teacher was talking, and I just read what she said. So, I started playing, I was playing more well than I was hearing it in my head.

After all we left the room, and we were waiting for the results. All my friends and family came to me after my performance. It was the first time I got flowers for playing on piano, I was eating chocolate and waiting. And here my teacher came to me and told me that I have an A. I was so happy, and she even told me that I was one of the best players. After all that I was thinking about my playing, and I noticed some mistakes and I was thinking about ‘’why teachers don’t notice them’’. I asked my mom about it, and she told me that for the first time it was so good and its why they missed those mistakes. And I take the lesson that people will not judge if I do something because everyone makes mistakes.

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I born and grew up in Vietnam, Vietnam is country from southwest Asian. In summer 2022 when I got 16-year-old and I'm finish 10 grade in Vietnam my family moving to America follow " America dream " we believe when come America we will be change the life is better, we will make a lot of money and future for me. My family waited 15 years to come to America. We come America and live at Alabama states after 1 month I'm register for Highschool, my first high school is Minor Highschool that is high school at Alabama. The first day I register for high school in The United States, I'm so scared because everything strange with me and my English is not good I don't understand anything in school, I just know hello and bye. In school they introduction for my Ms.Kim I'm not sure about her name because I can't remember the United States people name. She very kind to me, we communicate through google translate but some time google translate not correct but that fine, she helps me go to class English at other high school because my high school don't have class for new student come America. When i come class for new student come America at other high school, I felt everything strange, I thought there were Vietnamese student but there weren’t, however I have a friend he from Mexico he help me everything in class he so kind, he introduction me for other student that make me happy and feel not alone. Then 2 month my English better I can talk with he through translates but not too much. Now I'm moving to other states, maybe never meet they again but, I want to say thank you so much because help me, the first time I'm come The United States Now I'm moving to other states , maybe never meet they again but, I want to say thank you so much because help me , the first time I'm come The United States .

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I remember that was 9am and there's no one in the house because they went to a birthday party so I was bored and I decide go out and spend the time, the bus stopped was near of my house, so I went there and then I went at a cafeteria, I spent the day there until it became night. I took a bus back home, but I was wrong, and I got lost, I remember that it was raining, so I had to run to the bus station but and I did not know how the bus working because in Mexico is vastly different.

It was night so I was a little scared, I called my uncle to pick me up, of course I did not tell him anything, but he asked why I was out so late, he was worried. When I got home, I was thinking about what happened and how dangerous was to go out alone, now when I want to go to somewhere I ask my uncle to take me because I know that is risky to go out alone, several things can happen.

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War in Ukraine and me moving to another country

Before we moved to US me and my family lived happy life in Ukraine. My dad started a new business, he was ready to start it, but the night he had to send all the cars to kyiv the war started. But he didn’t, he started to get ready for leaving the country. When we tried to move to Moldova we couldn’t, but then the government said that men who have 3+ kids can leave the country, so we left to Poland and then to Bulgaria.

the story is about us moving to US, reasons for that, why my family decided to move here, about my life before we moved here, about my life before the war started, and about my life after moving here and after war started.

The moving to US changed me a lot, physically and mentally too, I changed the way I look a lot, I mentally grew up really fast. When the war started me and my family moved to Bulgaria, because we thought that the was is not gonna last long. We thought we are not gonna be out of country for a lot of time, but after a month in Bulgaria with no house and no nothing we decided to move to US, because my dad’s brother have family here (we were moving with them, together) and all that changed me a lot. I started thinking more differently. I started look different.

I started understanding that if nothing bad happens to us then be don’t really care about people who are going through a lot. I know it sounds selfish but its true, as soon as we feel same we don’t care about someone who’s not safe at all, and who lives with a lot of fears, and who’s fighting for their lives and their future. Because as soon as we feel safe we care less about people who’s not safe. We still care but not as much as if we would be there with them. And I understand that its not a good thing. And at least we have to not forgot to pray about people in Ukraine and in countries where’s a war right now.

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When I got the news that we will be moving to America soon…

My father and my mother decided to move to Turkey one day while they were in Yemen because my father was busy with his job, dealing with commercial business and he had to go to Turkey. My mother used to want to go to Turkey very much and wanted to live there. Anyway, my mother and my father talked about this issue, made their decision, and decided to live in Turkey for five years. They gave me a call and I was little at that time, 4 years old, and I did not feel anything. Anyway, we said goodbye to our families in Yemen and left Yemen.

After a long time, we arrived in Turkey and when we landed at the first airport, we felt quite different. Different people, different cars, different weather, I mean it was unbelievably beautiful. When we landed in Turkey at that time, it was 2011 and at that time, the economy of the country was very good, it was like America. Anyway, my father rented a hotel for 3 months because we could not live long, then me and my sister were happy, because that feeling of excitement when you live in a different place was nice. After a long time, my father finished his work and was talking to my mother.

My father said this to my mother. It's time to go back to our country, I finished my work and my mother said to my father, I have an idea for you, will it be forbidden here, because it is very beautiful here and we liked it and my father replied like this, let me think about this issue and my mother said okay, after thinking about it, my mother and I made the same decision. We will live here from now on. And my mother cried with happiness after hearing this news. After a long time, my sister and I were enrolled in the same school, and we were a little ashamed of that time because we did not know Turkish. My mother and father felt the same thing. We lived like this for one year, two years, three years, four years, and my sister and I improved a lot in school and in the same language. Well, my mother and father, my mother was a kindergarten teacher, and my father owned a small carpenter and furniture factory, and we increased our income that way and a trouble was coming to the country and this trouble is 5 million Syrians will live in the country as refugees and it will harm the economy of this country. Gradually, refugees began to increase in the country, and this could harm us in the future. This situation lasted until 2021, everything started to become expensive, the house rent started to become expensive and the shop my father opened was a furniture store and we bought this shop in 2016 and the business was particularly good, and we were making good money until 2021.

Business started to slow down, and this hurt us, I mean, we were barely paying our rent. Anyway, we endured this situation, but my father could not stand it, and I was my father's trusted assistant, I was helping him a lot, we were working together, and one day my father said to me, son, what will happen to us? We do not have a solid income and I asked my father. I said this to my father, “Let us hold on for a little while, maybe things will get better,” he said to my father. Anyway, one day, me and my father were returning home from the store, we arrived home, and I went into the bathroom, took a shower, and as I was getting out of the shower, I saw that my family was gathered at the meeting table, and they were waiting for me. There was a critical issue, and this topic was moving to America. And my father started this topic like this, yes, my family, we have lived in this country for exactly 10 years and the situation has started to get difficult and there is only one solution to leave this country because racism has started and everything is very expensive, so the country has become uninhabitable and we need to leave this country urgently and my mother

He replied like this, okay my husband, what you said is very true but where will we find the money to move and my father replied like this, don't worry, my factory in Yemen is working, I can withdraw money from there and we were successful in this regard and my father was able to collect the money and we are ready to leave our country and the flight visa will be issued soon and we are very excited, my dreams and my mother's and father’s dreams are coming true.

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BOOM! Explosion left and right cars on fire every building's crashing into each other, then a strong man shows up with a blade on fire, I heard a door make a screech I quickly dived into my blanked hiding heard footsteps and then....

One day on a rainy Friday I got out of school and started making my way, home I was minding my own business just like any other human being then these 2 kids Infront of me was discussing about this online video game it was a rpg  game  ( a game in which each participant assumes the role of a character that can interact within the game's imaginary world) where you eliminate npc and grind and much more, no violence, by the way its kid friendly I could hear them talking about getting every item becoming a pro know I’m interested to know more, minute past by and they made it to their destination,  mine was straight ahead 1h past by I made it to my house changed my clothes and made my way to the kitchen the best part of my day took some snacks hopped on my couch and sat and  I begin to munch down my snack.

As I was laying down I suddenly reminded myself about that game, opened my Phone and got on the game and I didn’t even noticed time went by fast I was so attracted to the game because there is so much interesting so then I reached level 100 still yet the max level was 2550 made it to 700 that then I could go to the next city now it was night time I had to go to sleep, me and my family ate and us as kids went to brush our teeth the parents slept already BUT! I wasn’t sleeping. I was still grinding my game grinded to 1000 bought some game passes made some friends 12AM has hit I was so sleepy I thought I hit max level then I snapped back to reality kept grinding and grinding.

My room was hot, so I sneaked into the living room and played there. I felt hungry so I took some frozen pizza out of the fridge and microwaved it then it went 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BEEP BEEP BEEP!!! I quickly opened it then it made a loud noise with it I heard a door opened I dashed into the cabinet and sat there with my pizza and phone I grinded there while eating my delicious  pizza  and then my eye started twitching and minutes later I fall asleep and reached level 2400 I fall hitting the cabinet doors and revealing myself   then right there my mom was standing she looked surprised and Angry.  and then after I got caught, I was in my room with my phone taken away. I realized I was addicted to a game and my brain started hurting because I didn’t get enough sleep, I realized how foolish I and I blacked out.

I woke up, it was Saturday  regretting the decisions I made, when I got my phone back I didn’t touch the game but a though got to me what if I take some small breaks each time I played but it was still awful, so I went outside and there my friend was we made our way to the park and played some few games tag, hide and seek, freeze tag, and doing park core! when all this was happening I forgot about the game and everything I realized I had more stuff to do out there but I still play the games sometimes, as it started to get dark outside I packed my clothes and  it was time to go to a camp I got on the truck with everyone we left in to the mountains The end.

By Eben

The game is also named blox fruit.

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I'm done with Basketball!!! When I just moved to America I thought I won't play basketball anymore. I had problem with my right knee but after I saw kent meridian basketball game I wanted play with them and after that I went to tryouts and played for basketball team. Right now everything good with my knee and I want do something more in basketball.

When I was 4 or 5 years old my father tought me to play soccer and this is was really interesting. I think I will be a soccer player everything going well and grint but when I came to 1th grade my friends go to basketball and practice everyday and someday they called me to play with them. I was really scary change sport and think this is not right. Then I asked my father "can I try basketball with my friends we have practice everyday after school and this is was in our gym". My father said yes just try it but when I came there this is was really interesting practice with my friends. I was really bad in basketball until 4th grade because I think sport this is just a fun but when my all friends go to play basketball in another city without me because I was really bad. Then I practice alone and hard try everything and I wanted be better and the best in the team. With a lot of practice after 1 year I already was in the podium. After that we won Ukrainian championship of basketball. Now I play basketball almost 11 years and I don't want to stop. I have practice with individual coach 3 days a week but I practice everyday if I don't have today practice with coach I training alone in the basketball gym. In my opinion first my 5 years was just challenge for me and then I will do everything better.

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I was in Afghanistan 3 years ago and there is so beautiful and we are not using to much of technology. we just have books notebooks and pan it was not to bad because it will Writing makes it better and u didn't have writing test. how did I come to America and when I came to American school how was my feeling and how did I past that days. My worried about my language because in that years was not to good to speak English and I was worried about this. It's change by trying hard and do my beast to pass all class and having A in all class. at the first I didn't know how to speak English but now I can speak English to good. when I come to America there was so good because its one of first country and America have to much technology and we can do ever thing in America and we have ever thing to learning or listening or Teaching.