Moving from Yemen to Sanford was a complete upheaval of everything I knew. Leaving behind the familiar landscapes, the comforting sounds of Arabic, and the close-knit community was heart-wrenching.
Arriving in Sanford, I was immediately struck by the sheer size of everything: the roads, the buildings, even the supermarkets seemed enormous compared to what I was used to. The language barrier was the most daunting challenge; I couldn't understand the conversations around me, the announcements at school, or even the instructions from my teachers. This created an initial feeling of isolation and anxiety, as if I were trapped in a bubble, observing life happening around me without being able to participate.
Starting school was incredibly intimidating. Everyone seemed to speak English fluently, and I felt like an outsider. The cultural differences were also apparent; the way people interacted, the jokes they told, and the social norms were all foreign to me. Simple things like understanding the school's schedule or knowing where to go for lunch became significant hurdles. However, amidst this confusion, small acts of kindness stood out.
My first friend, Amy, approached me during lunch on my second day. She noticed I was sitting alone and struggling to understand the menu. With a warm smile, she helped me order and started teaching me basic English phrases. The challenges were numerous, ranging from mastering English to understanding American customs. Language classes and after-school tutoring helped me gradually improve my English skills. However, the cultural adjustments took more time. I learned to navigate the social landscape by observing others, asking questions, and slowly stepping out of my comfort zone.
Joining the school's soccer team was a turning point. Despite the language barrier, the shared love for the sport allowed me to connect with my teammates. Through soccer, I not only improved my physical fitness but also built lasting friendships. It took nearly a year before I truly started to feel included in Sanford. As my English improved and I formed deeper connections with friends, the initial feelings of isolation began to fade.
Participating in school events, celebrating holidays with my friends' families, and sharing my own culture with others helped bridge the gap between my old life in Yemen and my new life in the United States. The sense of belonging grew stronger as I realized that while I would always cherish my roots, I was also becoming an integral part of this new community.
By Mohaned Alwahishi
Teacher Mark Westrick
To learn more about Yemen
https://www.britannica.com/place/Yemen
https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/yemen/
