Survivors of Genocide - Nasma Abdulkhalik (Trailer)

Summary

This powerful story recounts a journey through war, displacement, and adaptation. The narrator recalls the peaceful days of Eid before the war shattered their world, followed by a chaotic escape as homes were burned. Arriving in the United States, the narrator faces the overwhelming challenge of adjusting to a new life, from struggling with language and culture to the emotional isolation of being a newcomer. Despite the hardships, the narrator's greatest hope is for their daughter to find happiness, education, and independence in a better life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Eid was celebrated joyfully before the war began, lasting seven days with families enjoying life together.
• 😀 The war started unexpectedly, with gunshots heard on a Thursday afternoon, causing panic and confusion.
• 😀 People were seen running aimlessly, unsure of where to go, as the situation escalated rapidly.
• 😀 The narrator witnessed fires destroying everything, including houses, as they fled with no guidance or support from family.
• 😀 The journey took place on March 4, and they eventually reached safety in the United States on a Friday night.
• 😀 The first impression of the United States was one of awe, with everything feeling like 'heaven' compared to their previous surroundings.
• 😀 The narrator faced challenges adjusting to the school system in the U.S., unable to understand basic concepts or language.
• 😀 Initially, the narrator struggled with social interactions in school, feeling shy and out of place in the cafeteria.
• 😀 The narrator expressed a desire for their daughter to have opportunities for education and happiness, beyond following their advice.
• 😀 A strong hope for the daughter's future: to attend college and pursue her own dreams while being happy and independent.

Q & A

What does the narrator recall about their Eid celebrations before the war started?

The narrator recalls celebrating Eid for seven days before the war began. They enjoyed spending time outside of their home during this period.

What significant event does the narrator describe occurring on a Thursday afternoon?

The narrator describes the war starting on a Thursday afternoon, when they came home from school and witnessed chaos with gunshots and people running in panic.

How does the narrator describe their first encounter with the outbreak of war?

The narrator recounts hearing gunshots and seeing people running in every direction. They were told that the war had come, and they turned around to see houses burning, indicating the severity of the situation.

What emotions and experiences did the narrator face while fleeing the war?

The narrator experienced confusion and fear as they fled, with no family members around. They were left to continue running, feeling lost in a chaotic and dangerous environment.

What was the narrator's first impression when arriving in the United States?

The narrator felt a sense of awe and peace upon arriving in the United States. They described the environment as beautiful, with the light appearing different and giving them a feeling of being in heaven.

What challenges did the narrator face when adjusting to school in the United States?

The narrator faced difficulties adjusting to school, including not knowing the alphabet or numbers. They struggled to understand what the teacher was saying, but simply attending class was their primary focus at the time.

How did the narrator feel in the cafeteria at school?

The narrator felt shy and overwhelmed in the cafeteria, unable to stand in line for food as they didn’t know how to interact with others, who appeared to be confident and social.

What aspirations does the narrator have for their daughter’s future?

The narrator wants their daughter to go to school, attend college after high school, and follow her own path to happiness. They emphasize that their daughter should make her own decisions rather than relying solely on their advice.

How does the narrator want to ensure their daughter’s happiness?

The narrator wants to provide a home for their daughter and ensure she has the opportunity to pursue happiness, encouraging her to follow her own desires and decisions.

What cultural and emotional challenges does the narrator describe throughout their journey?

The narrator describes emotional turmoil during the war, including the fear and loss of family. The transition to the United States also posed cultural challenges, such as language barriers and feeling out of place in a new environment.