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Moving to Arizona
My family and I moved to Arizona from California, because my dad got a really good job here. In California we lived in a tight nit community where every move you made was watched. Even if I was only 9-10, I still felt the suffocation of my family being constantly scrutinized. Moving to Arizona allowed my family to have a fresh start and finally have privacy. -
The Wrong Crowd
During my junior year of high school, I thought everything that shined was gold. I got into the wrong things and hung out with the wrong people. I didn’t care who I hurt in the process. Just because I started becoming “popular” I looked down at everyone else. I lost myself trying to find myself. I eventually gave up on people, life and myself. -
Pakistan
I went to Pakistan the summer after my junior year. Going there opened my mind to appreciate what I had. It made me realize that I was so extremely proud to be half Pakistani. It made me appreciate my culture, my family and my religion. It opened my eyes to the bigger picture of life. It was an emotional experience that I wouldn’t take back. -
Arizona Cultural Academy
Going to an Islamic school my senior year was the best decision I have ever made. It made me learn so much about my religion and brought me closer to my faith. I learned so much about true friendship. I became so confident in the person I was, I learned how to embrace my emotions and learned it’s ok not be ok. I was comfortable with who I was, my personality, my brains, my looks going to ACA made me feel whole. -
My Real Life Roller Coaster
He taught me about love, something I didn't belive was possible. He taught me how to embrace myself. He taught me that it doesn't matter that you made a mistake, what matters is what you are going to do after. I have never met a more selfess and also selfish man. Even though it didn't work out I will always have a place in my heart for him. I have never had anyone believe in me so much. I learned that just because it hurts so bad does not mean life around you is over. -
Moving Out
The hardest decision I have ever made and one I hope I never have to make again. This was such a turbulent part of my life. My parents and I were not talking for a while, my family and I were separated from each other. I didn’t realize till way later, how selfish I was being. I was an emotional wreck. The only two things I took from that situation was one, I had to take responsibility for the decisions I made and two, no one can replace your family. -
The Most Traumatic Expereince
My mom trying to take her life away was so unexpected. I have never been the same since that day. I felt in that moment I couldn’t let my family see me cry or be weak, they needed me. I blame myself for it so much. It changed how I am emotionally, I don’t cry, I get anxious so quickly; when I’m mad I shake. I never let myself grieve and it’s hindered me so much in my everyday life. -
New Year New Beginings
Not only did my love grow for my family but also I found myself always wanting to do things with them. My three sisters are truly my best friends and my parents are my biggest supporters, they have so much love to give. Not only did I grow as a person to be more confident but also I started to find myself again and learn about myself. I have learned to accept who I am, what I have done, where I come from and who I want to become. -
Make It Or Break It
My second semester sophomore year at ASU was my make it or break it semester. If I didn’t get my GPA to a 2.5, there was no way I could get into the Teachers College. I don’t think I have ever tried so hard in my life. I gave up friends and social events to achieve my goal. I did everything in my power and it paid off, not only did I meet the requirement I had a 4.06 GPA last semester and made the deans list. I have never felt so proud of myself in my entire life. I know I am capable.
