It has been 1 year since I left Bahrain after being hit in the face with a kitchen utensil.
Throughout this year, I have learned to lean into my American identity in ways I never thought I could before. This American girl merges her unique talents, interests and connection to the world with independence and strength.
I have integrated back into this American life and have made some amazing connections along the way. I am a full-time single parent to my son, Ilya. And I am making the choice every day to be the best parent that I possibly can.
This year has also led me to a surprising place. Before, I had always dreamed of studying Arabic and developing fluency in the language. While living in the Gulf, I was conversational but never had much formal study of Arabic. It was a gap that my heart wanted to fill.
But this year, upon returning to the US, I was introduced to an opportunity to learn another language—Persian. I was awarded a scholarship to study Persian at the University of Wisconsin- Madison. I have nearly developed fluency in Persian after 4 months of dedicated study. I feel a rich connection to Persian culture as well.
This new language has expanded my world, and I now feel that I have a clear goal in sight.
After many years of feeling like I have to run to find myself, I have found myself not in Armenia, Qatar, Lebanon, or Bahrain – but within my own state, surrounded by Americans with incredible stories to tell.
Everything happens for a reason, and it will keep happening. We are led to very dark places, only to be shown the light, to be presented with opportunities to grow. I can be both here and there at the same time. There is no need to run, because everything I need is around me, is in me.
