Thus, I seek education.
“Aqoon Laan Wa Iftiin Laan” Without knowledge there is no light – a famous Somali proverb.
My journey began in Somalia. I was born in 1987, just three years before the civil war would shatter the lives of most Somalis and leave them, literally, homeless in their own land, which forced them to seek shelter elsewhere. Many Somalis flew to Kenya or Ethiopia to escape the war. The privileged ones flew to Europe or North America. The less privileged had little to no choice and were forced to stay back in Somalia. As for my family, we made it to Kenya and then immigrated to India a few years later.
Unlike the Somalis who made it to Europe or North America, the ones who stayed back in the developing nations, had to struggle on a daily basis. It was a blessing to merely survive from dawn to dusk. There was no greater priority! In times like these, education was nothing but something only the rich could attain. I would often dwell on the idea of achieving a high school diploma, and perhaps someday go to college. Years after years, this dream of mine remained unfulfilled.
After spending few years in Kenya, my family and I relocated to India, where I was exposed to English and the value and beauty of education. However, without any formal educational background, it was impossible to enroll in school and be placed among students who were of my age.
However, my desire to go to school was still strong and living in India, where education is valued, only made it stronger. It was in India where I began to realize the importance of education and how education could change one’s life. I have always known that I wanted more out of life. I wanted a stable life and a better future for myself and my loved ones. I wanted to think outside the box, be educated. And, most importantly, be a productive part of my community. I knew education was the path to achieve these, and other, goals
Thus, I sought education.
I have never had a formal education. I never went to school until I came to America in 2006. Here I was, a 19 year-old girl, without a high school diploma and little education. In India, most of the youth envision America to be the land of opportunity and a place where everyone has the potential to achieve the American Dream every immigrant cherishes.
I was determined to be educated and to achieve my goals. I knew I would make it; I just had to run the extra mile. I enrolled in a GED (General Education Diploma) program in September of 2006, and started learning English and other vital subjects such as math and science. I have never been as frustrated as I was during this period of time. However, I soon realized that this process was not only frustrating but also an enriching journey. I could literally feel my small world expanding in terms of ideas, vocabulary and the ability to understand others cultures.
In May of 2007 I started my love affair with Montgomery College, Maryland. I obtained my GED diploma in here, without the slightest hint that I would pass the test and eventually become a student at this great institution. I started my official college classes in the fall of 2007.
Along the way there were many challenges I had to overcome. There were days I would just feel overwhelmed and doubt my ability to keep on going – but I never entertained the thought of quitting school.
This May 2010 I graduated from Montgomery College with an associate in International Studies. During my time there I was part of honor programs called Renaissance Scholar and the Phi Theta Kappa among others. Until the morning of graduation the whole process seemed almost surreal to me. I could not believe I have achieved my dreams and that I was on my way to higher education.
This September I will be attending a university in Massachusetts called Mount Holyoke College to get Bachelors in International Relations and minor in perhaps philosophy, Computer Science or English.
I have come a long way from being the uneducated 19 year-old to the 22 year-old college graduate that I am today. All this would have never been possible without the blessings of God Almighty in my life. Thinking back on my journey today the four most crucial people who played a great role in paving the way for me are my beloved mother Hodan Farah, my lovely aunt Hawa Farah and my dearest uncle Kamal Hamud and my sister Fatima Ahmed and finally the rest of my family who are my strength. Also, without all my professors, especially Dr. Nathan Zook and Dr. Joan Naake, I would have never succeeded. .All my professors will forever hold a dear place in my heart for, without them, I could not have been able to be where I am today.
One thing I have learned and would like to share with others is never belittle your dreams and ignore those who belittle your goals. As cliche as this might sound believe me if you work hard you will eventually achieve all your goals and desires.
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Well said. Education is the key that is needed to open many doors
Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this also – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get anything done… Regards
Thank you for this fantastic piece of knowledge. Learning is critical to our survival. Thnks sis
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Simply inspiring…I am pursuing my bachelors, first in my family to do so…all the best
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WOW… This is great experience and I am so happy now that this person is going to be my Roommate at Mount Holyoke College… Good Luck Halima !!!!
Your commentsis self explanatory , complete and indeed we are at war with many things as well as strugling with life but Halima is a good example on how how to overcome all of these with determination and by God Will we will win.
Your commentsis self explanatory , complete and indeed we are at war with many things as well as strugling with life but Halima is a good example on how how to overcome all of these with determination and by God Will we will win.
I admire people whose thirst for knowledge is endless. Much more when the opportunity is slim and almost none. I know how it is to live in a country stricken with poverty with no jobs available.
I am from the Philippines and I know my experience is less painful than Halima. We are not at war with anyone in there. Maybe, in some ways we are. War against poverty, against graft and corruption, war against dirty politicians, maybe war against our own selves too.
But Halima is different. She rose above those obstacles. The war, the poverty, self pity and the like.
Please accept my congratulations!
Halima We are all proud of u Masha-Allah……………
It's a bitter sweet exprience, Alhamudulillah you are now on the right track.
Mashallah Halima we are all proud of you,.
Masha Allah sister im vry vry happy to see a young muslim/somali lady like you that has alot of potential… u inspired me alot