I arrived in Seattle from Somalia in April 2023, and in just over a year, I’ve experienced both incredible support and significant challenges. Every morning, I anxiously check the news, fearing updates that might jeopardize my status here. I plan to graduate with an associate degree in cybersecurity in June 2025 from Renton Technical College.
But the thought of being sent back to Somalia is terrifying. I’ve found hope in the generosity and welcome from the American people. In the heart of Somalia lies the small town of Luuq.
It was here, in 1994, that I took my first breath. Growing up in this tight-knit community, where everyone knew one another, shaped my identity. When I was 14, my family moved to the capital city, Mogadishu.
With its bustling streets and the echo of the adhan, or call to prayer, resonating from minarets, the city was a stark contrast to Luuq. The transition was both exhilarating and challenging, marked by the excitement of urban life and nostalgia for the simplicity of my small hometown. In the capital, my educational journey took flight.
High school became a stage for self-discovery and academic pursuits, and amid the challenges posed by a nation rebuilding from conflict, I found solace and inspiration in the walls of Mogadishu’s schools. However, the city was not without its challenges. It was scary, navigating a place where safety was not guaranteed, and the menace of terrorism cast a long shadow.
While the world outside often saw Somalia through.
