This story originates in Saudi Arabia; this person traveled to Turkey in 2008. The path to Turkey was for an opportunity; this person qualified as a refugee through the UN. The case was picked up, and then this person went to the embassy in Istanbul. The person noted that Turkey is a European country with a similar culture to the Middle East and has all four seasons. At eleven years old in 2010, they came to America for better opportunities and education. This person arrived with their two brothers and a sister. Dropping everything, going into a new country, and not speaking English was difficult. This person had to do ESL classes, learn the culture, and learn how to live in another country. They had a friend who lived in Ohio in the summer of 2010 (6th grade); this person did not have a language connection, spoke Arabic. They said they had a dictionary on the table and they translated back and forth; they had ESL in 6th and 7th grade and had to learn and speak English; this person said the transition from languages and cultures is challenging.

Another comment was that they left their dad behind and tried to apply for him to come to the US and file a visa. In 2016 the process started; in 2017 there were interviews, but then the travel ban hit. He was in Malesia for four years and finally rejoined the family this past April. The mom and dad are from Somalia but live and got married in Saudi Arabia. This past December, they visited family.

Words from this person are, "you are unique in your own way, no matter what others tell you." They also commented on how there are stereotypes of people from other countries. The person before and they were a refugee and after, do not focus on that part the most.