From the Start...
Around 1980-1990, my dad met and married my mom. My dad was born in Ethiopia but has an Eritrean background. My mom was born in Eritrea and also has an Eritrean background. In 2002, my dad left Eritrea for the United States of America because he used to work in the United Nations Mission to Eritrea. Other than working, my dad spent years discussing with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security to get citizenship in the United States. It was rough, but eventually in 2005 he got asylum in the United States. In 2007, he got his citizenship, including my family in the United States. The rest of my family moved from Eritrea to the US in 2009.
My Journey
On October 25, 2011, I was born in New Jersey, United States of America. I have lived in New Jersey for all my life. I went to a couple of nearby schools in NJ until I got into Forest Street School in 2019 for 2nd Grade. I attended Forest Street School (FSS/FSCS) until 7th Grade in 2025. I then, with the help of my oldest sister, signed up for a scholarship program to Shawnigan Lake School in Canada. When I learned that it could be possible, I was shocked and excited. I then, in 2025, got accepted to Shawnigan Lake School in Canada. I am now a freshman student at Shawnigan Lake School in Canada and hopeful to continue my education there.
After some time, forms, governmental documents, and millions of prayers, I got in. The school accepted me and the Government of Canada gave me my visa to go to school in Canada. I was so excited and at the same time scared of going to a new school. But eventually, I got around my fears. I packed up my suitcase, said goodbye to my parents, and headed out to Canada to pursue my high school education. I finished my first year there at 8th Grade and am now moving to 9th Grade. I'm proud of going to new places and continuing my dreams.
Interactive Timeline
Hover over a milestone to learn more about the events that shaped my journey.
Family Moves to the United States
My family continued its journey to the United States.
A New Chapter
The rest of my family moved from Eritrea to the United States, continuing our family's journey and beginning a new chapter.
My Birth
I was born in New Jersey.
The Beginning of My Story
I was born in New Jersey, United States of America, where I have lived for my entire life.
Forest Street School
I began 2nd Grade at FSS.
Forest Street School
In 2019, I started 2nd Grade at Forest Street School, beginning an important part of my school journey in New Jersey.
Shawnigan Lake School
I was accepted into Shawnigan Lake School.
A Major Opportunity
With the help of my oldest sister, I applied for a scholarship opportunity at Shawnigan Lake School in Canada. I was eventually accepted and began preparing for a completely new chapter of my education.
Moving to Canada
I received my visa and traveled to Canada.
Starting Somewhere New
After completing the required forms, documents, and visa process, I traveled to Canada to begin my high school education at Shawnigan Lake School.
Continuing My Journey
Continuing my education and dreams.
Looking Forward
I am continuing my education at Shawnigan Lake School while working on independent projects, exploring Model UN, developing technical skills, and planning for my future.
My Future
My dream in the future is to be a United States diplomat as an ambassador to either the United Nations or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). I want to be a diplomat because I want to contribute to world politics because I have had an interest in politics and diplomacy since I was 12 years old and enjoy following news and history.
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