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.

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.

       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.

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.

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.  

          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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!!!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 9^th 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.

 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.’

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.

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.

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

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.

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.