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Birthday
I don't know what day I was born, but I know it was in the year 1995. This event took place in the city of Baghdad, Iraq. The day I was born is a significant event in my life because it is the day life started for me. -
Moving to Turkey
When Iraq became a dangerous place to live, my family fled to Ankara, Turkey, where we lived a few years. I got to experience a new culture. The Turks I met were big hearted, generous people, who give you a love-is-all-around feeling. We had the smallest black and white television to ever exist. Turkey is the only place I ever seen snow, it came down hard and cubed where I lived. My family did not have much at this time, which helps me appreciate a lot of what I have now. -
Moving to America
After a few years in Turkey, my family was sent to America. We lived in a complex in Phoenix, Arizona. The same year, I began Kindergarten, where I cried every day. The US is where I've spent most of my life, and where I will probably spend the rest of it. -
Our own house
My family could afford to buy a house in 2001. I have lived in this same house until today. -
Elementary School
I attended Roadrunner Elementary School. This is where I built the foundation for my learning. I was a special needs student in first grade. My grades slowly improved and became mediocre. Roadrunner is also where I made my first "best friend," Julia. -
Middle School
I attended Palo Verde Middle School. It was new having a different teacher for every subject. -
Home Schooling
I developed a health issue mid-eight grade year which made it hard to sit in a chair for 8 hours a day. My English teacher volunteered to come to my house every day after school and give me an overview of all my lessons and homework for the day. -
Depression and Illness
I have Cushing's syndrome and depression. I understood I was hopeless. I felt that it meant I could never feel alright again. I had a crying session every day. This was the worst point of my life. -
Online High School
As eigth grade came to a close, my English teacher enrolled me in Primavera Online High. I was relieved about not having to miss my high school education. But it wasn't long before my mental and physical illness got to be too much for me. I could not focus on anything else. I finished two courses before I stopped doing work. -
Sisters Reunite
I got a hold of my sister's phone number. I had not heard from her since she left home five years ago. I felt grateful to have her in my life again. She encouraged me to re-enroll in Primavera, and I did. -
Counseling
I began seeing a counselor in January. Having someone to talk to is a release. We agreed that my goal is to feel okay, and that will be enough for me. I look forward to our sessions and the only thing I dislike is the folding chair I have to sit in, which pushes into my back and does not help me in feeling comfortable during the session.
