Coming to America...

Growing up, the best was all I knew because that's what my parents had taught me to be. They would always push me to do everything at my best no matter what it was. It was like they wanted me to achieve everything they couldn't and take advantage of the free education they didn't have.1991 was the year my parents were forced to flee Somalia. There was a civil war going on, too many bystanders getting killed and the number of casualties were endless. My parents didn't feel safe enough and had no choice but to leave. And when they came to the United States as refugees, they had no one there for them and had to start out with almost nothing. The education they had back in Somali didn't matter in America because all of the documents were destroyed. I have no idea how my parents made it to today. I'm really proud of them, that they can provide a roof over my head. I don't mind that my parents push me because they're pushing me toward my goal. My dream is to go to a four-year college, get into medical school, and become a surgeon. And I want to be able to provide for my parents so they don't have to work anymore.As a result my parents work excessively and are rarely home. While they are working, I juggle my school work with taking care of my grandmother and house work so my parents won't have to worry about it. My father is asleep when I get ready for school and I am asleep when he gets home. The only time I can see him is on the weekends, at most twice. And at those times, he's either in a rush or just wants to relax on the couch in silence. I see my mother a bit more. She's the one who wakes me up for school before going to work, so I get to see her almost every morning. And she comes back home about two hours after I do, at 8:00, or sometimes 7:00 if she wasn't too busy. But she only stays for about an hour and goes out again. I don't believe I have ever had a long talk with my parents before about school. They don't know what I do at school, what clubs I'm in, or just how I was feeling that day. They trust me enough to do what's right, and I do, but I also desire attention.Before I used to think that my parents didn't care about me. When I had the chance I would tell them about my day and events I would be attending for school. They would only nod their heads like they understood, but when the time came, they would deny I ever told them anything. I believe I have matured enough to understand that they will forget often. They are under a lot of stress because of work. I realized if I wanted attention I should get it by working hard. I do my work, study for tests, and joined clubs. I'm also part of the varsity girl’s lacrosse team which demands a lot of physical effort. It was difficult at first, running miles, sprints, and learning new stick techniques. I was always the last one running and the first to drop the ball. After a while, I realized it was going to take time to improve. But how could I run in shoes that weren't meant for running? And how could I practice at home if I didn't have a stick of my own? I don't know how but I did it anyway. I ran in those shoes that gave me blisters and I practiced using a stick my friend was going to throw away, throwing and catching with whatever I found at home.That was a challenge I barely overcame, but at the same time I was facing another one. I am a bright student at school, so when I was told as a junior it was going to be my hardest year, I wasn't that worried. More homework and tests just meant I could learn even more. But this year we are also starting to fill out applications for colleges as practice for senior year. Only now I realized how close I am to graduation. A day when my parents' attention will be on me and a day where I'll be one step closer to my dream. But I need to stay organized to get there. Organized with my homework assignments, applications for college, and scholarships for financial aid. At home, we have one desktop computer and six family members who use it, including myself. I do most of my homework on it like typing essays or lab reports. But it always crashes with viruses, and when it gets rebooted, all the saved documents get erased. So every time I do homework I send it to my email, but at times I wouldn't be able to find it if I needed it again a week later.When you face an obstacle and overcome it, it makes that much of a stronger person. And if you’re strong enough, you can fulfill your dreams and goals. But sometimes you need help on the way of getting there. I want to go to a four-year university with confidence. To go one step forward, I need supplies: Lacrosse equipment, running shoes and a lacrosse stick so I can put into good use during and outside of practice. Also, a laptop I can use without being scared it will crash and to stay organized with my school work. All my life, going to college and getting to work in a career field I'm passionate about was my only dream. I've never asked for something that I know I'll never be able to have because I knew my parents weren't able to afford it. I haven't felt depressed or sad that I didn't have equipment to make my high school life easier. But when I started my 11th grade year, it hit me like a slap in theface and it hurt.Help Ilhan achieve here dreams by making a donation to A Bridge for Kids today!