reflection

Background

My mother has always been the most significant influence in my life, right from the moment we had to flee from our home due to a civil war in Somali. My parents did not have an education, owing to the prevailing circumstances at home. As such, my siblings and I have experienced how vital resilience is in an individual's life. Being the third oldest in my family, this will be an opportunity for me to kill two birds with one stone – acquire education and act as a noble leader for future generations in my community.

For the most part of my life, I have been exposed to discrimination and oppression for who I am as Somali Bantu. I was born in Kenya, but my family immigrated to the United States in august 2004. At that time, I was three years old, but I'll admit that it is challenging to be a Somali Bantu in any part of the world due to lifestyle differences. I consider living in the United States as a clear blessing. My mother understood this as well, and she took up every opportunity to become a useful member of all communities that we found ourselves living in. The resettlement of my family in the US was not easy, as we faced hostility and concerted efforts to prevent us from accessing the necessary amenities. We were label as a burden because our culture and belief were different from what was expected in the United States. As the children's mother, it's a tedious role, especially living in a foreign country. It takes courage and determination to cope with a new environment without showing any weakness and fear. My mother demonstrated that resilience, for she proved how she could manage through those challenging situations. She has led the courage to break the barriers of challenges as she continuously plays her role as a mother to allow her children to have a better life than she had. I saw those sacrifices made by my mother, and it has influenced me to make life better for those around me. I would use resilience and hard work, as I have learned with my mother. I would be creative and always keep my head up even if it seems like there's no other solution. I think as a part of the Texas Christian University, it is extremely important that one knows how to look for more possibilities and be eager for more opportunities to be able to achieve one's goals. And being able to come back from a difficult situation while pouring all time to work will help me reach my goals.

Thus, it became the motivation to fuel my mind, body, and soul to do better and achieve more. As my mother always states, you have no excuse for being insufficient; you are responsible for the choices you make at the end of your life.