Aya Zaki, 16, Meknes

When I first heard about the ‘Women in our lives’ essay contest, and that participants need to write an essay about a woman who in their eyes is an inspiring role model and had a special influence on their lives, the first person that came to my mind wasn’t my mom surprisingly, it was my older sister Soumaya. I know Soumaya will be shocked a bit when she finds out that I’m writing this essay about her, that I chose her as the special woman in my life. I didn’t choose my mom because, let’s face it, mothers have lots of responsibilities that require their attention these days. So it’s only fair to talk about my sister who has been there to inspire me.

I bet you are wondering why she would be shocked like I first mentioned. Well, it’s not that she’s not special and worth writing about, but it’s the fact that we don’t get along with each other a lot. She’s 6 years older than me so I guess the age difference is why we sometimes argue on stupid things. She’s always older and wiser and I’m always young and immature. But of course, in the end of every argument, we return to normal, no fights, just two sisters who talk and laugh with each other. I assume that’s how most sisters are.

I’ve always asked myself how is it possible that the woman whom I argue and fight with; whom I don’t get along with, is the same woman who has made a huge influence on my life, and made me want to be exactly like her; and wish to have the same life she has or at least a similar life. Truth is when I was younger, I solely believed that my sister lived a life full of success and great opportunities, impressive school grades; friends and family who showered her with love and care; … I thought she never had a single problem; that she was always so .. Perfect. Growing up through the years, however, I begun to understand the fact that nobody is perfect. Regardless of the successes Soumaya has achieved, she had her ups and downs like anyone else. However, She was able to study hard, get a great career and a good salary from that; a loving home and husband. Isn’t this what we all dream of?

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I want to study hard like my sister, and get my baccalaureate with an impressive grade, which should provide me with a great future, a comfortable job, and a home … no husband just yet for me! I’m mostly inspired by my sister because all these accomplishments and more weren’t presented to her on a silver platter; I know she’s been through a lot of struggles to achieve them. Even though, we weren’t close, I could tell she went through a lot of problems but somehow always managed to get over them, she suffered so much, and fought hard for what she wanted, something I try to learn myself. People used to envy her on her intelligence, on her school progress… They envied her so much when she got the chance to go study in America for a whole year. It’s normal to envy her on something they will never achieve. The opportunity she was given to study abroad was amazing; I hope I get the chance to do it one day as well. Soumaya came back with a lot of positive energy from her year of exchange, for someone who had to be a year behind everyone else in school. All her friends had got their baccalaureate while she was away, but she never saw that as a bad thing. She was strong for going all alone to a new country; being a Moroccan Muslim girl who wears the Hijab and prays five times a day must have been very hard. After she finished high school with a good grade, she started her education in a good college, then she was lucky enough to get a job after graduating, and she finally got married and settled away from us leaving an empty spot in our house and hearts.

I believe my sister is living the life she always wanted, and I’m happy for her. People envy her for that too. I remember hearing different things at her wedding that showed me how so many wanted to be in her place. I admire how she never gave up though, no matter what people said. She never cared much for people anyway, because it wasn’t her fault that they were too busy watching her succeed in her life that they did nothing with their own. I never envied her, or hated her, I always encouraged her, and prayed for her to be happy and I always will.

Soumaya is my idol, my number one role model, and if it wasn’t for the ‘women in our lives’ essay contest, she would never learn of my admiration to her. But I love her, and I will always be there for her, because I know she will always be there for me. In fact, she’s the one who told me about this contest, because she never ceases to share opportunities with me and want me to live my life to the fullest. I wonder who she 18

would write about if she could participate, but that doesn’t matter much! What matters is that she’s the woman in my life. She’s my idol and will always be.

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