GROWING TOGETHER! 2016
STORIES+LEARNING= COMMUNITY
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Student Stories | A Photo Journal Opportunities Through Central Minnesota Adult Basic Education | Next Up
My Family by Akuay Gilo
CENTRAL MINNESOTA ADULT BASIC EDUCATION
OUR STORY Growing Together! "Hi, my name is Akuay Gilo. I am from Sudan and I grew up in Ethiopia. I have two sisters and I am the youngest. They are older. When I was six years old, my mother passed away. My aunt and uncle took care of me and my sisters. My mother had two sisters and two brothers. They took care of us. My aunt and uncle loved us very much, and our family loves each other very much. This was my life when I was young. After that, I got married in 1998. My husband and I came to the USA. Now I live with my husband and I have four children. My children were all born in the USA. Now two are in high school, one is in 5th grade, and the youngest is in kindergarten. This is my life right now. I have a job and I am going to school, too, to study English and to get my high school diploma or GED. I want to have my dream job of being a teacher. "
My Journey to the U.S.A. by Adhar Dakane
"I came from Kenya Sept. 11 2007. I had one child before America. I have 4 children. I like to study English. I still have difficulty speaking but I understood." ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016 | 2
A WELCOME TO
THE NEW NEIGHBORHOOD
By Yannick
ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016
"Back in the day, I, a teenager of 19, was in my country in Burkina Faso, where I was raised. My family and I were living in a kind of lovely, amazing and active neighborhood in the middle of Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso. My parents decided to move to a quiet side of the town, a new neighborhood where there were less people. I use to always be around family members and friends, but when we first moved, I was lost. Our new house was in front a free space I would have to walk through to get to school every morning and afternoon. In the morning, this place sold sand and gravel, but at night this same place was dangerous. A lot of weird people were in the free place. These sand and gravel sellers become drugs sellers at night. They were selling it to people from different place. That made me stay in the house every day after school because my parents knew about it and didn’t want me to frequent these people. Getting bored in the house, I decided one day to go find some friends. I went to closest neighborhood for a walk. There I found, some classmates from my new school. This day, I passed a little bit of time them hanging out and getting to know them. Few weeks later, we were studying and doing homework by a school not far from where they live. During our study time, my friends could disappear for a couple minutes. Being curious, I tried to find out what they been doing. I been shocked when I discovered that they were doing drugs. This day, we almost get into a argument because I refused to try it, so I left home. The next day at school was so long, because I felt lonely. After classes, I decided to reason with them to stop smoking by showing them some information I had read the past night. Most of them said “I will love to stop it, but I have been doing that for so long”. I understood that and tried something else to put them out of these bad habits. After classes, I told my friends that I would like to try it. They took to a quiet place for us to smoke. A couple months later, I was a frequent smoker but I couldn’t stay focused in class, so I told them that smoking was an experience for me but N Odoing M A Dit.I "C | 2 4 it didn’t bring me enough benefits to make me keep
Snow by Anab Jibril "The first time I saw snow, it was October 2010. Before that time, I saw snow only in movies. Snow is beautiful and shiny. It looks like sugar. When you touch it, it is so smooth. When it is snowing it is not too cold, but when it lies on the ground three or four days it is very cold. I still remember the first year I saw snow. I fell four times because I didn’t know I should wear boots in the winter. Now I don’t care if it is snowing or not."
I am Happy in the USA by Fadumo Ali "My name is Fadumo. I want to write about myself. I was born in Somalia. I came to the USA in 2001. I first came to Minneapolis. After that I lived in St. Cloud. I am happy with my life."
OUR STORY Growing Together! "I’m lying at the edge of the bed With my hope and desperation onto my knees. I feel like nobody is there for me Just my bed who doesn’t let me go, to breathe. A tear drop on my cheek Remember me how human can I be. All my sins, all my wrongs Can dry away Like the hurt in my soul.
Repentance by Aremi Severson
I pull myself from the bed Trying to kneel and show How bad I feel. Confession and repentance That’s how it has to be. So I can see the light Shining onto me. There is You This is me Forgive me Father, For what you see."
My Mom’s Advice by Arad Sugule
"I love my mom. My mom and I have a great relationship. My mom always gives me advice no matter what age I am. When I told her I have dry skin my mom told me, “Stay hydrated and sleep well and then you will be beautiful inside and out.” She is not the only one who gives me advice; my dad gives me advice too. I remember when I was young I was an impatient person. I sometimes made mistakes. My father said, “Arad, think before you act.” And he also said, “The sun always rises and sets again tomorrow.” ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016 | 4
My Family by Amina Barre "I come from Somalia. I came to America on September 30, 2006. I have 6 children and they all go to school. My husband works at Gold’n Plump. I don’t work. I am a house wife. I go to school 4 days a week. I take care of my children, clean house, and cook food. My family is very good."
The Fall Tree by Basra Hassan "After three months of summer, the leaves start to change. They go from green to colors like red, orange, and yellow. The trees start to look really nice and beautiful. At this time, the weather gets colder and people wear sweaters and jackets."
OUR STORY Growing Together! "My personal experience was when I moved to St. Cloud from Kansas to be with my girlfriend. We met on a website. She is from St. Cloud and that is what brought me here. She has been a wonderful person in my life. She was there for me through thick and thin. Her family members are great loving people. They have accepted me even when my own family doesn’t really care about me.
My Personal Experience by Donald Paylor
I’ve lived in St. Cloud for six months now and started going to school. I also got a job at Wendy’s. I also experienced going to the Mall of America for the first time. That place is huge. I really hope that I will be able to go back one day. In closing, so far, my experience here In Minnesota has been great. I’m really looking forward to starting my new life here and have more experiences that Minnesota has to offer."
Car Problem by Aldo Carrillo
"About three years ago on my way home from my job my car had a flat tire. I hadjust bought my car and the tires looked good. Unfortunately it was at night and I couldn’t figure out how this happened. It was a cold winter and it was snowing. That was a bad experience for me. I didn’t have a jack to change the tire and my cell phone was dead. I felt frustrated. I stayed on the side of the road for a while waiting to see if someone would help me, but I did not see any cars, so I started driving my car slowly all the way home. I had to drive two miles to get home and when I got out of my car I saw my car’s tire all destroyed. Since this incident happened I always have the tools to change a car’s tire."
ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016 | 5
I Grew up in Libya by Hanan Addow "Libya was my second country. I spent a lot time of my life in Libya. The weather is always hot. I grew up in Libya. I have a lot of memories in life. The Libyan Desert is the biggest in the world. I came to the United States in 2012."
My Life and Family by Zamzam Afrah "My name is Zamzam. I was born in Mogadishu, Somalia. Then I got married. We had two beautiful daughters. I am happy and thank God for my beautiful family. Now I study English. I feel much better with the language. I help my kids with their homework. My life has been difficult. It is hard to learn English."
OUR STORY
My Family by Safiya Hussein
Growing Together!
Fadumo Ali's Story
"My name is Fadumo Ali. I was born in Bardera Somalia. My dad had two wives. The other wife had eight children. I was the second oldest, taking care of all my younger siblings. When I was seventeen I married my current husband, then had my first child two years later. There was a civil war that broke out and it was too dangerous to stay. We moved to Kenya as refugees. I bore six children, but one had passed away. In 2006 we were selected as refugees to come to America. I had never gone to school until September 2010. Since then I had to go off and on to school because I have an elderly mother-in-law living with us. I am very happy to attend school at La Cruz in St. Cloud."
"I come from a traditional African family. There are seventeen people in my family: my parents, two older brothers, a younger sister and eight younger brothers. There are 4 girls and 7 boys. I’m the third child. My father had a job. He worked at a store. My mother was a stay at home mom. Four of my brothers have died. One of my brothers lives in Minneapolis. The rest are still in Africa. My family is very important to me and I really love my family. I live in St. Cloud, MN. I am a student. I have three children. My Oldest daughter’s name is Salma.She is 9 years old. My second child is a son. His name is Amar. He is 8 years old. My third child is also a son. His name is Omar. He is 7 years old. They are all healthy and beautiful. I really, really love them."
ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016 | 6
Story About a Tree by Anab Jibril
Coming To America by Ladan Omar
"I am going to describe a tree. The tree has green and yellow leaves. Some of them are brown and red. Some leaves are all green. If you look on the ground, there are falling leaves. Some of them are already dry. Some have mixed colors. There are tiny leaves on the ground. Someone left a bicycle by the tree. It has three colors: blue, black, and silver. I assume it is fall weather, that is why leaves are falling down. The tree has a lot of branches."
"My name is Ladan Omar. I was born in Somalia. Then I grew up in Somalia. Then after that I came to Kenya 1991 I stayed 18 Years I have seven kids. In 2009 my kids and I came to the United States but my husband didn’t come with us, when I came to America. My life was hard because I didn’t speak English."
My Town by Lesly Tabora 'My name is Hayad Jama. I was born in 1969 in Muqdisho, Somali. I have five brothers and one sister. I went to middle school at Janal Daauud. I started my high school at Sheeq Hasan Barsame in 1982, where I finished after 4 years. My Happy Life by Hayad Jama
In 1991 the civil war happened and we moved to Kenya, where I lived for over 24 years as refugee. I have two daughters in Kenya. I lived with my daughter, my mother and my brother and his family. We owned our own business. We came to Minnesota on September 15, 2014."
I was born in a small town called Dolce Nombre Copan in Honduras, Central America. I have four brothers and three sisters. My family and I lived there all together. The town has beautiful mountains all around it. Nowadays my town has become a city and has a bigger population. "
The streets are now pavement. It has a bus service, Central Health, a college, and a lot of businesses like coffee exports, basic grains, and commerce. So now there are a lot of differences and I am very proud I can write something good about my town."
ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016 | 7
VACATION by Yanfang Ren
ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016
"I worked at Stone Factory in the city of Fuzhou, China. Every year the company organization made a plan and took employees to different places to take a vacation, but it was just for the supervisors and those in higher positions. It was a gift from the company. I had one great vacation in the summer. We went to the beach near the Yellow Sea. The company rented a hotel near the ocean. In the morning I woke up early. Looking toward the beach, I saw the horizon. The weather was sunny. The sun came up; the clouds were forming red light then pink turn into yellow colors. In a few minutes, there was a variety of colors. Their shapes sometimes looked like a feather fan, fish scales, flowers or some animals. The sky seemed like a big water color paper with a painting constantly changing. The sea sometimes was peaceful like sweethearts whispering in private. The sea was gently kissing the beach like a mother touching her children softly. I walked on the beach with bare feet and I saw in the sand a lot of crabs in their holes. When they saw people coming, they scurry away. I felt the wet sand and my bare feet told me it was very fine and soft. I walked along the ocean. I left my footprint. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath and inhaled humid and salty air. I felt relaxed. I saw some birds flying in the sky. They were dancing and singing. Some waves were bigger than others. They seemed very angry and cold. I like going swimming in the sea. The waves have different heights and gave me unexpected feelings of joy and sorrow. It relieved my stress. I like to commune with nature and it was a beautiful vacation."
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CHILDHOOD MEMORIES By Ogona Abela
ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016
"My childhood experience in school was bad and good at the same time. When I was four years old my parents came to America. I was left with my grandparents. After some years they decided to let me go to school in Kenya. I started going to school there. I studied English and Kiswahili. When I got to fourth grade, my parents decided that it would be better if I went back to Ethiopia. When I went back to Ethiopia they let me start from first grade because I didn’t know the language. I went to class and all I knew was how to read English and speak Kiswahili. I didn’t know any of the language and that made me sad. Kids laughed at me. I felt so sad to a point where I wanted to lower my level of reading English so kids wouldn’t laugh or make fun of me. Months later I started making friends and learned some of the language. That made my life easier in school. Years later my parents changed their minds again. They wanted me to go back to Kenya so they could start doing the process of coming to America. When I got back to Kenya everything was easy because I knew their language. I went to boarding school and continued with my education till I came to America in 2010. Life among people who don’t speak don’t speak the same language is very challenging. All I have learned is to be strong and try to fit in if you can. Life is like wind blowing in different directions. You never know where it might take you next."
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My Story by Hodan Warsame
My Young Sister Sucaad by Arad
"My name is Hodan Warsame. I am writing a story about when I came from Uganda. I came to United States on November 28, 2011. I have 4 children. One day I looked for a job. The next morning I took a bus to the place where they wanted me to work. But I couldn’t find the company. But later I found a job. Now I am happy."
"In my family we have seven sisters and two brothers. Sucaad is the youngest one of the seven. Today I would like to talk about her personality and her lifestyle. My sister, Sucaad, is taller than me. She always is happy and an easy going person. She is active and if you ask her for help she gives you a hand, without a doubt. I always remember her smile. Now she lives in Kenya with my family. I always keep her in my mind for two things. She called me while she was laughing and ended the call also while laughing."
My family by Dyna Sok
The Tree by Khadra Jama
"I came from a traditional Cambodian family. There are six people in my family: my parents, one sister, two brothers, and me. I am the first child. My father worked in the animal shelter, and my mother was a housewife. My sister worked at Golden Plump. I have five children and 15 grandchildren. I worked at Golden Plump for nine years, and I worked at Electrolux for 17 years. Now I am retired. My family is very, very important to me. They have moved far away from me. I don’t see them as much as I want. I miss them."
My Story by Khadra Yuusuf "I am from Somalia. I arrived in the US in 2014. The first state I arrived in was Texas. When I came to Texas I met people in that state, who were not my relatives. I did not have anyone who could assist me. I did not have a car. I did not have friends. I met many problems. When it was daytime I met many Somali, people who spoke the same language as me. I started to have school in St. Cloud to learn English."
"The tree nearby our school looks different. The last time I looked at it, the tree had some leaves, but today the branches stand up to the cold wind by themselves. Without the protection of the leaves, the tree looks vulnerable. Despite the absence of the leaves, the tree still remains strong and it will stand alone all winter long. The tree will remain alive and fight the cold. The tree will get back its leaves after the winter and become more vibrant."
The Fall is Beautiful by Samsam Yussuf "I like the fall. It is a beautiful season. I feel so good when I see the weather is warm, sunny and cloudy at the same time. The leaves on the trees are falling. They are all piled in the grass. They cover the ground. The trees have beautiful colors. I analyze one leaf! Its three to four colors like green, yellow, orange and red blended together. The leaves and the twigs are on the ground. It’s a little windy and sunny too. It’s amazing, to grab a chair and watch that wonderful season."
I Came from Vietnam by Vinh Truong "My name is Vinh Truong. I came from Vietnam. I came to the USA. I have lived in St. Cloud for four years with my son and my wife. In the USA my son is a student at Apollo. I work in the Health Center. I have worked there for four years. This is a good job. "
Untitled A poem by Maka M. Ali "As the land became dry, The wind started making unusual sounds. The trees realized they were leafless. The grass looked dull. Finally, the mountains started singing, “Summer is turning to fall Trees are starting to die Say hello to autumn days Say good bye to sunny days.”
Memories by Z.R.A. "I remember when I met my dad for the first time, I was 11 years old. I remember when my little brother died at the hospital. I remember when I graduated from my high school. I remember the day that I had a flight to America, April 30, 2012. I remember the day that my brother had heart surgery. Now he is 4 years old. I remember when my little sister broke her arm. I remember when my mom had a car accident and she injured her neck."
My School by Ewel Abdi "My first school was in Ethiopia. I remember one day, I was grade 5, and someone wrote an insult on the wall of the class that concerned a girl who was my classmate. The girl and her friends saw the insult written on the wall of the class. Then she complained to the teachers of the school. Our teacher asked us who wrote the insult on the wall we said, “We don’t have any idea.” Then he went from us and he called all the teachers of the school and they had sticks, then they beat us badly. I remember that day."
My New Life in Minnesota by Halima Farah
Remembering Past by Arad Sugule "I remember the last day I went to school in my country, Somalia. I remember the first day the civil war started in my country. I remember the day I left my lovely country. I remember the day civil war separated my Father from my family. I remember taking care of my six sisters and two brothers without parents. I remember the night when I and my family crossed the border into Kenya without permission from the country. It was the scariest night I ever had."
Description of my Mother by James Jarvan "Rebecca Wondor is my mother’s name. She was born on March 25th 1955 in Liberia, West Africa. She is now living in Big Lake, Minnesota. My mother’s personality is indescribable; she has all the ingredients that a great mother is supposed to have toward her children. Because of her, I am in the United States today, so I consider her my hero. Mother you are appreciated and I promise you that one day you will definitely be proud of me in Jesus name. My mother is very beautiful and intelligent. She always advises and motivates me about making great decisions. She always says, 'My son, be patient and also persistent because life is not easy. You have to be consistent and determined in order for you to achieve your goal. Life is all about survival, so try to meet my standards and expectations.' ”
"I come from Somalia. I am Somali. My journey in America started in 2006 December 24th. Once arriving in Minnesota I waited 3 months for my documents. I could not work or go to school until I got them. Once I got my documents, I worked in Minneapolis. I also started school to learn English. In December 2007 I moved to St. Cloud. I started working at Jennie O turkey factory. I am still working there and like my job very much. I also started at Discovery School in St. Cloud in 2008. I am currently a student. I like all my teachers and classmates. I like to learn."
My Story by Hoi Tran "I came to The United states from Vietnam four months ago with my family. My family had four people, my wife and two sons. Now, I’m studying English at Discovery school, my wife too. My sons are studying at High school. Our life was very difficult on the first time because we didn’t know English. I could not find work, I could not go to the market. I didn’t have friends. I will try for a better, good life."
Viet Nam to St. Cloud by Long Truong "My name is Long Truong. I come from Viet Nam. I came to the U.S.A. I have lived in St. Cloud for six years with my family. I have two sisters, a mother, and a daughter who came with me. I like to study English. I speak English very well."
My Family by Maryan Mohamed "I’m from Somalia, but I grew up in Kenya. I have 5 brothers and 2 sisters. Four of my brothers are older than me, and one is younger. My 2 sisters are older than me. My mom and my dad still live in Kenya with the rest of my family. I’m the only one who’s not with them. I have lived in America for almost 11 years. I hope my mom and my younger brother will come to America very soon, Inshallah."
My Story by Liin Gure "I am from Somalia. I came to the U.S.A. in 2013. I lived Memphis, TN for two years. I was very happy because the climate and people in Memphis was good. After that, I moved to Arkansas where the climate and people were good too. I now live in St. Joseph, MN. The people are good, but the climate is cold."
My Family by Saeedo Mireh "I came from Somalia. In my family there are 10 people: my parents, and my brothers and sister. I am the third. My siblings are two brothers that are older than me and 5 younger than me. My father has had many different jobs. He has worked as a business man and as a truck driver. My mother is a business woman. She owns a grocery store and is a nurse. She is very busy and I helped her in the store. My siblings and uncles did, too. My family is very nice. We love each other."
Remembering the Past by Kiin Farah "I remember when I was young the first day I started school. I remember when I came to America and left my family. I remember when I started my first job. I remember when I saw the snow. I remember when the civil war began in my country. I remember the days I prepared to drive a car."
Mirror, Mirror by Melissa "I look in the mirror and who do I see, I see an addict staring back at me, I don’t like the person I see. Since I changed my life from recovery I look in the mirror and who do I see, I see a person in recovery, I can make it just for today, So someday I can love the person Who looks back at me."
My Story in South Africa by Samsam Mahumud "My Name is Samsam. I came from South Africa in December 2013. South Africa is a beautiful country. But I used to live in a dangerous place. I couldn’t afford to live in a safe location. My mom used to have a small store. We used to help each other. I was the cashier of the store. When the robbers came they used to take the money. But one night two young men came to the store and asked me for cigarettes. After I got the cigarettes for them and was trying to get my money from them, one of them tried to grab my hand. When I ran from him he took out his gun and tried to shoot me. But I thank God nothing happened to me. They only took the money. Now I am in the United States, most of the time I don’t worry about safety."
I Remember by Micaela Cedillo "I remember when I and my sister made a swing in the tree. I remember when I climbed a tree to the very top. I remember we had a grape tree and ate some grapes. I remember when I had to walk twenty minutes through the woods to go to school every day. I remember when I got up with the song of the rooster. I remember when I helped my mother care for the birds and feed them. I remember when I went to the woods and found some nopales (cactus) to bring home to eat."
The Things I Remember by Bilan Ahmed I remember when I left my home country, Somalia, and went to Syria. I remember when the International Organization for Migration gave me a visa. I remember the first time I had a sister. I remember the last time I talked to my father. I remember the year I lost my parents. I remember the first time I came to Minneapolis. I remember when I started a business in St. Cloud.
Learning English and Spelling by Nasra Adan "I have to learn English. I live in the U.S.A. I need to know English very well. I have to take care of myself and family. When I’m finished learning English maybe I can get a good job. After that I will go back to my country and help students."
I Remember b y Dol Abdulahi
"I remember the wedding of my sister in Hargeisa in 2012. At that time I was happy, because she was excited and thrilled about her wedding. I remember when I had my daughter. I can’t describe how happy I was. I was 17 years old and she looked like me. I remember when my son was born 10 months later. He looked like his father. I remember when I came to U.S.A. in December 2014 with my children. I remember when my grandfather died in 2005 in Somaliland, I was very upset. I remember when I started my school in St. Cloud. "
My Childhood in School by Sika Allou "When I was a child in my home country Togo 35 years ago, I was seven years old. That school was a Catholic school. We prayed, we played, and we studied languages. At that time I liked candy. If my classmates gave me candy I gave my shoes to them. My mother was not happy with me because I gave my shoes away."
I Remember the Past by Basra Hassani "I remember when my sister was born. I remember when my first baby died. I remember when I came to the United States of America. I remember the first day the civil war started in my country. I remember the last day I saw my father. I remember when my family stayed together. I remember when my son got a driver license. I remember when I started school in St. Cloud."
My Life in the USA by Seynaba Hadama "My name is Seynaba Hadama. I was born in Ethiopia in a small town called Negele Bornaa. I came to the United States in June 2006. When I come to America, it was very difficult for me to understand the language and the culture. I have four children, three boys and one girl. I have been in America for almost ten years. I have not been to my country since then, and I miss my country. I am planning to visit my country in the future. I became a citizen on April 2, 2012. As of right now, life is good in America, because I understand the language and the culture, but I miss my family in Ethiopia." What I Remember in the Past by Anab Jibril I remember my first class. I remember when my Mother died. I remember when the civil war started. I remember when I saw my sister again after many years. I remember when I lost my father. I remember when I was in the camp. I remember when I came to America. I remember when I saw the snow. I remember the way I grew up without parents.
My Story by Maryamo Abdi
GROWING TOGETHER! Our Story My Family by James Jarvan
"My name is Maryamo Abdi. I am 43 years old. I was born in Somalia. I came from Ethiopia in 2015 on January 30th. I have two children: one boy and one girl. I now live in St. Cloud, Minnesota. I learn English at ESL class at night. My family lives in Africa. I miss Mogadishu, but I like Minnesota."
My Story by Dowly Aden
"My name is James Othello Jarvan Jr., commonly known in my family as J.O. J. My grandparents are from Riverset County in Liberia, West Africa. My grandfather is not living but my grandmother is. Both of my grandparents spoke Bassa as their first language. My mother lives in Big Lake, Minnesota with my stepfather. My father passed away in 2005 in Liberia because of the civil war. I have three little brothers and one sister from my mother’s side in Minnesota. On my father’s side I have four little brothers and three little sisters in Africa. I am the oldest and only child between both of my parents."
"On September 2005 I came to America with my family. Everything was new to us. We saw people we have never seen before. We did not know where to go or how to do simple things. I could not cook because I did not know how to turn on the stove. We could not drive anywhere because we did not have a car. Right now I drive my own car. Right now I understand English. I cook for my family. Everything is good now." - Dowly Aden ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016 | 16
My Story by Muyehdin Muhumed Ahmed
GROWING TOGETHER!
My Story by Dahabo Abdi
My Story by Mohamed Mahamud Ismail
OUR STORY "My name is Muyehdin Muhumed Ahmed. I came from Somali Regional State in Ethiopia. I arrived in the USA on November 26, 2015 in Minneapolis. Then I came to St. Cloud. I stayed four months. Here is my family. My first goal was to find a job. I did not get a job, so I look for a job. Then my second goal was to go to school and learn to speak, write and read English. I started my first class at La Cruz in St. Cloud Adult Basic Education. Now I am better than before." "My name is Dahabo Abdi. I was born in Somalia and raised in Somalia. Before the war, my life was normal. I lived with my family and I was happy. After I got married, before there was war that destroyed Somalia, I was happy. As the war stared, I had my oldest son. I moved with my husband and son to the nearest country that was safe. For my family that was Ethiopia. I found a refugee camp. I lived in Ethiopia for 11 years. As a young girl I grew up with my siblings: 2 sisters and 2 brothers. I have 4 daughters and one son of my own."
"First my name is Mohamed Mahamud Ismail. I am 66 years old. I was born in Somalia. When I was 7 years old I remember my first day of school in my country. Education is very difficult to be cleaver in, but when I finished my school in grade 10, my hope was to be a doctor. But I am not to be a doctor. Then, I hoped to be an animal doctor. I remember wanting to be an animal doctor and my parents, there were very happy because of was the dream of my parents.When I was 25 I married my wife Sahan. After that time, in 1991, we were meeting war in Somalia. And my education was lost. Following 1991 I went to Ethiopia. Ethiopia was a good life because there was peace. I had more children born to me in Ethiopia. After Ethiopia I went to the US. I came from Somali Regional State in Ethiopia. I arrived in the USA on December 10, 2015 in New York. I arrived at the airport where I stayed at the register for one hour. Then I went to my house. After I stayed 11 days in the register (on December 23), I finally went to St. Cloud, Minnesota. When I came to St. Cloud my children followed. My children get an education for free and I also get a free and good education. I am very happy to live in the United States."
ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016 | 17
MY ALL-EXCLUSIVE TRIP
TO THE MARLBORO RANCH By Lisa Emslander
ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016
"In the spring of 2015 my husband received a certified letter in the mail. Our first thought was, oh no. What is this? Luckily, it turned out that my husband won an allexclusive trip for two, to the Marlboro Ranch, in Montana. My husband and I were asked to send our jacket size and shoe size. We were sent a tape measure to measure our head? We didn’t know why until later. We were given a sheet telling us all the activities at the ranch and we got to number what we wanted to do. Our trip was the week of July 23 and it was wonderful that everything was paid for. The company in charge sent us two airline tickets, a check for $600.00 for taxes, and two $50.00 Visa credit cards for baggage fees. One week before our flight, we received two large boxes. Inside we found luggage for each of us and two baseball hats that they wanted us to wear so they could recognize us at the airport in Bozeman, Montana. On the first day of our trip as we sat in the airport in Minneapolis, we started seeing people with the same hat we were wearing. When we landed in Bozeman we were given five coupons for five, free packs of smokes and then we were taken to a private room with tons of food. Next, it was time to take the bus to the ranch. When we got to the gates at the Marlboro Ranch there were people on horses that rode on both sides of the bus like a parade and they played the theme song from the TV show “Bonanza”. When my husband and I opened the door to our cabin, our bed was piled with gifts. There were cowboy hats, water bottles, and $150 each to spend at the store, little flash lights, a handkerchief, Stormtech jackets and we went to the livery and that’s where we received boots, socks, and we got our cowboy hats curled. The food was amazing. One meal was prime rib, the next was Cornish game hen or salmon. The activities were a lot of fun too. We participated in zip lining, archery, skeet shooting, side by side ATV’s, and trout fishing. We experienced driving a military Hummer in the mountains. At night we enjoyed listening to music, playing in card tournaments and star gazing. One of my favorite things to do was go for a hike in the mountains at sunset to take pictures. We would always see deer because they were everywhere. In fact, they even came to the ranch at night and that is why all the flowers need to be covered when it gets dark. If this was not done the deer would eat all the flowers. As we arrived home we started to really miss the ranch. We were thankful for the adventurous time and the friends that we made. Since our vacation I’ve been hooked on trying everything I can on the Marlboro website to win another trip. Just two weeks ago I got a letter and a check from them saying that a picture that I submitted in a contest won first place and they sent me a check for $500. I wonder why people say no one ever wins that stuff. I’ve certainly been lucky."
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"When I think about someone that helped me through my pregnancy I think about Birthline. In Birthline I met great people, but there is one special person that I’m always going to be thankful for and it is Joylene. Birthline also helped me prepare for my baby. At Birthline I learned how to be a good parent and good person. Truly Birthline is a great place; they have great people than can be counted on.
BIRTHLINE By Yoselin Castillo ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016
The first person that I met at Birthline was Joylene. She was a great support during my pregnancy, and also was a great support during difficult times after my pregnancy. Also Joylene inspired me in many different ways toward my future goals. She is an excellent role model to me on how to be a great mother. I know that whenever I have a question or a problem I can count on her. She has helped me in many ways, and I’m always going to be thankful to her for all her help and support. The second thing that Birthline helped me with was the preparation for my baby. At Birthline I learn about the stepping stones of pregnancy. Another thing that I learned is what to expect when I brought my baby home, and what to do in case of an emergency. The most important thing that they helped me with was her clothing and diapers, and they taught me First Aid in case my baby choked on food or coins. The third and most important thing that Birthline helped me with is how to be a good parent and person. At Birthline I learn how to understand the needs of my baby. I also learned how to be a good parent by listening and teaching good things to my baby. I learn that being a parent was not going to be easy, but in the end it would be worth it. Birthline helped me understand the responsibility that parenting brings, and by becoming a good parent I was going to succeed in parenting my baby. Definitely Birthline helped me through difficult times during and after my pregnancy. I have to thank Birthline for helping me become a great parent. Birthline has helped me in so many ways that I will definitely recommend it to any person that is in need of help. Truly Birthline is a great place, and has great personnel that listen and understand the needs of clients. In conclusion, Birthline is a great source for anyone who is in need of parenting N Oeducation." MADIC | 24
Experience in My School by Dol Abdulahi "When I was young, I started my school. This school’s name is 17 May. Its location is in Hargeisa, Somaliland. I attended class five days a week. My school had expectations; one expectation was to respect older people. I had so much respect towards one teacher for being a great role model. I remember that teacher saying to me “Be patient, you will succeed in life”. I had a lot of teachers. They were good. I was interested in going to school because my friends shared with me about exercise and communication with other people."
How I learned What School Is by Bilan Ahmed "When I was young, I asked my father. “Father, are the children learning how to wrestle in school?” He decided to let me go to school. Girls wore short blue skirts and white blouses, but the older girls wore long skirts and they sat away from the younger girls. They acted like they were better than us. I remember one day a girl who was in the oldest group was fighting with me. She told me, “when class is finished, I will be waiting for you outside, so if you aren’t afraid of me, come to me. ” If I didn’t go there, all the students would bully me and maybe every one of them would try to fight me. But if I attended the challenge and defended myself, nobody would bother me after that. When I went to the place, she was ready for me and the fighting began. She put her hand on her waist, then she tried to kick her leg into my stomach, but I caught her leg and she fell down. I sat on her stomach. I won that fight. After that day, I became the hero of my class."
I Remember by Ogona Abela
"I remember playing with my friends in the neighborhood in Ethiopia. I remember when my friend died in the river. She was bitten by a snake in the village. I remember the sounds of early birds in the morning. That tells me it is morning and time to wake up. I remember when I went to school for the first time. I remember when I got sick at the border of Kenya and Ethiopia. I couldn’t eat for days and almost died. I remember the day I received my visa at the American Embassy in Kenya. I remember coming to America in the summer of 2010. I remember reuniting with my parents after many years at the Kansas City airport. I remember having a C-Section when my daughter was born. I remember my daughter’s first word “mama” and second word 'No'."
My Journey to America by Zeynab Abdi "I came from Ethiopia, but my nationality is Somali. My family and I came to America on May 29th in 2012. I have 5 siblings. We traveled from Ethiopia to Germany, then to New York. After four hours, we got to Richmond, Virginia. Finally we landed in Roanoke, Virginia. After 16 days my mom had a baby boy. He had a problem with his heart. He had surgery 2 times. he first day that I saw my little brother he was 5 months old. When my mom was in the hospital, a tornado passed by our house. We weren’t hurt, but all the power was out. It was summer and it was so hot. We didn’t know where to go to get food and I didn’t know how to drive. I was 19 years old and I had to take care of my siblings. And then after 5 days the power came back on and my mom and dad came back."
Senses by Reyna Mata "Through the eyes of my son Bright colors are intense Like needles inside his head. Through the ears of my son Loud songs are scary Bouncing in his brain. Through the skin of my son Itchy, rough clothes Assault him like switch blades. Through the mouth of my son Spicy and sour flavors Offend his palate. Through the nose of my son Odors are unbearable Strong and revolting. His autistic song Runs through my senses And I accept this fragile miracle, My son."
I Remember by Ewel Abdi "I remember when I was young I remember my elementary school I remember my first teacher I remember my first soccer team I remember my best friend of my childhood I remember when I graduated from high school in Ethiopia I remember Kebribeyah city in Ethiopia because I grew up there I remember my parents and my sister, also my sister’s kids I remember the day I came to United States I remember the state of North Carolina; it’s the first state I lived in I remember my first school in United States I remember my first teacher in United States."
Coming Back to Minnesota by Triston Mooney "In November I moved here to St. Cloud, Minnesota. I was unfortunately without friends and resources. I was being driven over thirty miles per day to get to Adult Education at Hillside for my GED. This made finding work very difficult. After three months many things in my life have changed. Now I am friends with many people from many backgrounds such as Asia, Mexico, and East Africa. Now I am stayingwith a friend at their place and I am starting out as a cashier and cook at a food place in a mall. Since I have started work, I’ve begun some self teaching language courses in Chinese, Japanese, Latin Spanish, and other languages. Now I can greet my friends and customers who have those as their main language or have a hard time communicating in English. Life here in the St. Cloud area has been hard but has taught me many life lessons. “ What we call magic is nothing more than hope crystallized into a destination.” ~ Perisophia the philosopher
School in My Childhood by Lesly Tabora "I started my school in a small town in Honduras where I lived. I remember my first teacher in first grade. She was nice but very strict. The school name is John F. Kennedy to honor President Kennedy because it was built with funds from U.S.A. I remember the school was located one block from my house. My time in school was not easy because I had to help my mom first and then do my home work. I always complained about that. Furthermore, sometimes in the town we were short of pencils or notebooks. Getting a dictionary was really a challenge because people didn’t want to borrow books. I am happy things nowadays are better for kids to get a basic education."
Can You See The Title? by Juana Perez-Botello Justice is what he brings to the world Even though not everyone believes in him, He loves us all. So no matter what he always has our back and is always there when we need him. Universal peace is what he wants. Savior of humanity is he!
To A Princess by Laura Cadena
A Place That Doesn’t Exist by Dovie Tholl "Lonely and broken Shattered and misunderstood Like a river So calm on the top but so wild and flowing
Lake Superior by Liandi Swiers
"Doesn’t matter how old you are. You are a beautiful princess. And all princesses have crown.
She wants to run away maybe not too far from here but so far away in her mind.
Be the Princess of your castle. The crown is on your heart."
Not many places to run Reality becoming Hell Nothing but sorrow and Frustration Finding darkness in every light Death vs. Life How much waiting is there left?"
Lake George by Sahro Elmi "Lake George is across from the library. Lake George is a beautiful place. In summer time you can catch fish and rent boats. There are many ways to have fun there. The children can play on the playground. In the wintertime you can go skating. I like it and think you will too!"
Summertime by George by Sahane Awrashid
"In the summer time the St. Cloud community visits Lake George every Wednesday evening for an outdoor festival. There are a lot of fun things to do: music, dance, food, and playground activities. So there is something for everyone at Summertime by George. Last summer was first time visiting the event. You should visit it too if you are interested in fun things!"
"Lake Superior is the biggest freshwater lake in the world. It is located next to Duluth, Minnesota. It is very different from other lakes. It looks as large as an ocean, and the scenery is very beautiful. For example, there are a lot of boats all around the lake, the Split Rock Lighthouse, and waterfalls. The North Shore drive is special. Another interesting place is the town of Grand Marais. In the early morning, you can see the sun rising in the sky almost indistinguishable from the water of Lake Superior. The serene water combined with the e green trees and flowers together make it really interesting in summer. We drove slowly and stopped often to walk, l ooking with excitement at the natural scenery and beauty that Lake Superior offers."
The Mississippi River by Muna Hassan
The Garden of Love by Kowsar Mohamed "The Garden of Love is beautiful and unique. I like the Gar5den of Love and it’s a lot of fun. There are many different colors of flowers. A lot of people visit, including couples and wedding parties. It’s on the Mississippi River. Everybody likes to take pictures and people watch. When I go to The Garden of Love I feel comfortable and I really love it, like many people do. In the winter nobody goes to the Garden of Love, but in the summer it’s wonderful!"
The Mall of America by Mabsud Ahmed "The Mall of America is beautiful place. It’s interesting and so much fun. I love it and my kids also love it. The first time I went there I was so scared of the rollercoasters and some of the rides! But the next time I was so happy. It’s a beautiful place to visit, and you can have lots of fun. When we visited we enjoyed it very much. It’s great place to visit, you should visit the Mall of America! It’s fun and interesting."
"The Mississippi River passes through St. Cloud. The Mississippi River is big and beautiful. When summer comes people go to the river. They can fish. They can walk along the river. The Mississippi River has many trees alongside it. It’s beautiful when the water is flowing. The Mississippi River is a beautiful place."
33rd Street in St. Cloud by Sahan Ali "33rd Street in St. Cloud has restaurants and some shops. You can buy food, and you can buy clothes. You can also send money anyplace around the world, includingAfrica. Many people visit 33rd St. to buy food, clothes, or send money to their country. Many people go to 33rd St. every day."
Chuck E. Cheese by Rukya Jama "Chuck E. Cheese is a pizza restaurant in St. Cloud. It also has many games for children to play. I like Chuck E. Cheese because it is so much fun. I want to go every two weeks even though my kids like to go every day. I tell them that if they are nice and do their homework then they can go every day and they say “Thanks Mom!” When we go there then they, “ Mom, Mom, can we come every day?” because it’s so fund and I say that it depends on their behavior!"
My Favorite Holiday by Akuay Gillo
Checking the Weather by Sahane Awrashid "I came to St. Cloud on 11.10.14. That day was the first snowfall of the year. I came from Grand Island, Nebraska. I called my supervisor to explain why I wasn’t coming to work that day or the day after because the weather in St. Cloud was so bad. When I woke up Monday morning I looked out the window and saw a lot of snow. That’s how I spent my first week in St. Cloud. I’ll never forget that! I learned from that and now Iplan ahead before making plans by checking the winter weather forecast."
"My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving! I love everything about Thanksgiving but especially the food! The food people prepare for it is so delicious! That is why I like the holiday so much. Someday I hope people in Africa can celebrate Thanksgiving Day. It is a good holiday that makes people come together as a family. Furthermore, people are so happy to have a holiday like that every year."
What I like about St. Cloud by Rukia Aden
Becoming A Citizen by Sahro Elmi
"When I filled out the application I knew a little English. After I went to school and took a citizenship class, I learned all the questions and how to write, read, and say them. Then they sent me the fingerprinting form. I did the fingerprinting and paid $75. Then they sent me to do the interview. I passed the interview – it was a really nice day! In 2008 I voted for the first time! I am very happy to be a US citizen! "
Paying Your Bills By Abdinour Reshid "I came to American on September 5, 2014, arriving at Washington Airport. I thought that everything was available here in the US, but the truth is just the opposite! The most difficult thing for me is paying the bills. Getting my driver’s license and adapting to my new life are other things that interest me."
"I like St. Cloud because it is a quiet city and people work together. I have a lot of friends too. Everything is cheap and the city is safe. Applying for a job is easy. I am happy because I have a job to provide for my family. My first job I worked at Golden Plump with lots of people. They would say “Welcome to work!” That is why I like St. Cloud! Now I work at Cambridge Transportation."
Winter Time by Abdulaziz Hussen "I am from Ethiopia but I was born in Somalia. When I came to the USA my life was so hard! When I first came I was excited about winter! Some people told me that Minnesota was a good place and also that winter was nice. I had never experienced such a cold winter before and because it’s so cold outside I hate winter! It’s too chilly for being outdoors. I prefer summer time."
Coming to America by Farhiya "When I came to America, it was wintertime and it was cold. The country I came from was a hot place. Before I came to America, I believed that America was where people made a lot of money. I was so happy to come here, but when I first came life was so difficult for me! We were a big family, no one had work and no one knew how to look for a job. We also did not know English. After a few months I got a job and so did my father!"
Going to School by Muna Hassan "When I came to the US I began to go to school. I didn’t know where the school was located. I didn’t know how to take the bus. On the first day of school, my brother gave me a ride. I was no nervous! When I got to school, I saw lots of people. They spoke a different language but English was the most important. They helped me with the classes, and they also told me how to take the bus."
Shopping By Ubah Sheikhadan
"I like to take my kids shopping. We buy clothes for school. I buy food at Sam’s Club because the prices are cheap! I also like shopping at the Somali mall. I buy dresses and hijabs there. St. Cloud has many good places to shop."
Going to the Doctor By Sahra Warsame
What makes you proud to be an American? By Leila Hassan "There are several things that make me proud to be an American. The first thing is being a citizen is very important to me. I love to visit several countries like Africa and the Middle East, and to travel I need a passport. The second thing is freedom of living in American. It is a great country and freed freedom of speech and freedom of religion. America is different of other countries. The third thing is American is a beautiful country and it has better life. Also I belief America is the safest country of the world and I am very proud to be an American."
"The first day I went to the doctor I was very happy! It was February 14, 2012. I was pregnant with my first baby boy. He was born October 19, 2013. He is an amazing baby
– he is
so cute! I go to CentraCare clinic every month for a check-up for the baby. I speak to my doctor who very nice. She talks to me and helps me if I have any questions."
Winter in Minnesota By Hawa Issa
"When I came to Minnesota the winter weather bothered me! I couldn’t see living in such a cold climate! One day, I went to my job and when I looked outside the building I saw snow coming down and ice on the ground. It was so scary and I couldn’t see where my car was. Finally, I figured out where I had parked my car. I didn’t understand how to clean off the ice so I put hot water on the windshield!"
Taking the Bus
The Best Advice I Ever Had By Hinda Barud "The best advice that I ever received was from my mother. First of all, my mother pushed me to go to school. Secondly, she always told me that I should never give up and keep going, and also to be someone who has a good future in her life. Equally important, I accepted my mother’s advice and I’m happy for that because I can read and write although it’s not my native language. Hopefully, I can understand most of the English language. On the other hand, I will keep going to get my best education. In conclusion, my mother gave me the best advice in my life and now I’m very happy because her advice leads me to where I am now." Cinquains "Mahamed Ahmed Abdi happy, funny play, sport, read good friend, good helper Jaani Amadou happy, busy sports, walking, reading work, help, good friend, listens Ambi
By Sahan Ali
"I take the bus everywhere because I don’t have a car. If you ask someone to help you, they say they don’t have time so I take the bus. It takes 30 minutes in wintertime. If I stay at home I forget about the time, so I stand at the bus stop ahead of time. But with the snow I cannot stay
Daniel happy, athleteclean, play, talk good friend, good helper, sharing Danny Maria happy, momplay, clean, cook, sharing, talking, listens to my friends Ely"
outside because it is very, very cold! So that is why I sometimes arrive late."
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TIME LINE STORIES, METAPHORS AND WHAT I WOULD DO IF I WERE PRESIDENT! Abduljabbar
"I was born in Iraq, Mosul in 1962. I had a big family. My dad Younus and my mom Samera and 3 brothers and 3 sisters. My mom is dead in 2001 and my dad is dead in 2010. I am very sad for that. I got to school in 1968. I got my first job driver truck in 1982. I moved to USA in 2012. I moved to St. cloud in 2014. I am studying English in Mary School now." Fatuma Issa "I was born in Somalia in 1975. I learned school to grade six. I fled from Somalia for Civil War. I came to Kenya country and stayed there many years. Then I got married in 2008. Then I came to USA, North Carolina. I moved to St. Cloud. Now I am a student."
Muhumed Yusuf "I would help people in America. I am make hospitals and make economy great." Daniel "I would help my family. I would like to do positive things to help abused people. I would help poor people in Puerto Rico and elsewhere." Maria "I would like to help poor people and children of America and Africa. I would create more jobs in america. I would put peace so that there were no more wars."
Ruun "I was born in Ethiopia in 1989. I am class 6. I got married in Kenya. I have two girls. I lived in Kenya for ten years. I moved to USA in 2014." Veronique
Cleopatra by Lorraine Hipp
"I was born in Boma, Africa in Ntobi Meta. I go married to Amos. We lived in Angola. We had 5 children. Me and my family got to America, my husband and my 5 children. Now I practice English. Thanks for my teacher. She teaches me English." Yussuf "I was born in Kenya in 1980. I graduated from secondary school. I got a taxis driver and I got married to hinda. We lived in Nairobi. We had two children. I moved to America. Now I am a student." Nitna "I was born in Laos in 1976. I graduated from college. In 199 I get a job. I got married in 2003 in the USA. We had 3 children. We moved to St. cloud in 2003. Now I learn English."
Yussuf Sharey "I will lead and others follow. I will make the country the first country in the world." Sabah "I help people in the world. I make the develop. I build the hospital. I show strong power military. Clean world. Amos "I would help people and show strong power. Peace, lead, fair, hospitals, no war." METAPHORS "Learning English is like breaking rocks." "My country looks like many colors." "Love is like feeling the people."
ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016 | 25
"The Turtle" by Marshaun Martin
"My name is Arvilla Sund and I am 69 years old. I go to Adult Education class at Hillside to learn how to read, do math, and write sentences.
NEVER TOO OLD By Arvilla Sund
ABE STUDENT STORIES 2016
I couldn’t go to school when I was young. I had to watch my brothers and sisters. I was the oldest one. We lived on a farm in Cambridge. I had to do a lot of work. I missed school. My grandma and my uncle (a coach at Patrick Henry School) wanted me to go to school, but my dad said “no, we need her out in the country.” I had to quit when I was in eighth grade. That’s young. My sister and brother –Arlene and Fred Jr. – got to go to school. I was very jealous of them. I would like to go to school to learn how to do stuff. I was mad at my dad for two months because I couldn’t go to school. I came to school to learn how to read and how to do math. I got a good reading teacher and the teachers are so nice here. They don’t push you around. I think people who want to learn how to read, they should go to adult education class to learn. You will get lots of things out of it. I never read before to my grandchildren. Now I’m reading books to my grandchildren before they go to bed. I sit in my chair, put the baby on my lap, and Riley and Aurie sit in little chairs and listen. I’m very proud of myself. My daughter and my teacher are very proud of me. If you want to learn to read and do math and do stuff for yourself, come to adult education. Do it for yourself. Don’t do it for anybody else."
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My Trip to Addis Ababa by Khalif Abdi
GROWING TOGETHER!
My Family by Ngap Abella
My Family by Junjie Mao
OUR STORY "First of all it was Monday, April 30, 2012.We arrived at New York International Airport from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. But first the airplane stopped at the New York International Airport as a transit for one hour. After that I flew to Minnesota. Then my friend came to take me to St. Cloud in his car. Then I started to study English. I have a good teacher." "I come from a big family. There are eleven people in my family: my parents, six girls, and three boys. I am blessed to have a big family. My father used to be a doctor in Africa. When we came to America my father still wanted to be a doctor. They wouldn’t let my father go to work in a hospital. They told him to go back to school. He is still in school now. My family is very important to me because they have always been there for me. Even though I live far away from them, we talk on the phone every day."
"I’m from China. My parents met in Qingdao. Qingdao is a beautiful city. They married here. I like Qingdao, but now I live Minnesota. I have a family. It’s not big, it’s a small family. My mother, father, me, and mom’s other son is a dog, Peewee. My father is a quiet man, but he is very stubborn. My mom loves to laugh. Me? I don’t know. I am I. Peewee is a Chihuahua. He’s a dog, but has the highest position. He eats the best food. He likes plush toys very much. In the morning there is often cotton on the floor-a lot of cotton! He is very timid, and he often barks. And recently he is afraid of thunder and trembles in a storm. He’s just a dog. But he is my family. I love my family."
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Discover your future!