The one who truly influenced and educated me in life is grandpa. He was a fantastic man and a great role model. Been a hero to me, the one who instilled in me the values of independence and hard work. Grandpa also advised me to live a life that was free of regrets. He was the one who pushed me to be honest and live a decent life.
After high school i lost hope of going to college. I thought I didn’t have what it takes. Because of Covid-19 and how dad don’t trust me. They think that college is a club. The way society made it look like us Muslim women don’t need to be educated or enter collage. The mindset those Arabs hold scares me. Because of tradition, many girls do not complete their schooling. Many Middle Eastern parents continue to force their daughters to marry early. I’m not saying dad is forcing me, however he thinks that college is no different than high school and you would learn the same things. But that is not the case, I’ve seen and been to collage and I’ve taken things further and further. There is so much more to learn. I want to learn more. I want to learn more than just Arabs culture. while hearing those thoughts and opinions of people for a year I started to think to myself what am I waiting for. I have to get my life back on track. I’m 19 years old and I’m no longer going to wait. “I can do this”.
Grandpa lives far from us, but comes every Sunday. He loves to tell stories of his journey across the country, how he worked hard and achieved his goals, and how he became the man I see today. Grandpa usually visits my room because he knows I sit alone often. So he would come to my room to chat and to give me a heads up. He was able to tell me many stories about himself and give me the best advice. Said that hard work and determination could get you anything you wanted in life. And if I want to go to college to do it. It will be possible. I wouldn’t have known for sure if it wasn’t for him. And he’s been an inspiration to me. I love spending time with him and I’m glad I have a reliable person like him. I love him because he is the reason I am the person I am today. Thank you grandpa.
Hi Asia, I think the story of you and your grandpa is really inspiring to read. I think that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue higher education if they choose to do so, regardless of gender. Although your dad might be against it, I’m sure what you’ll accomplish both now and in the future will prove to him differently and help him change his mind a little. Good luck pursuing your goals and I hope your grandpa is doing well!
Thank you, I go by Haifa by the way !
Hi Haifa, I apologize! I’ll keep that in mind from now on. Thanks again for sharing your story 🙂