Sometimes, things just go well. There’s no explanation, you
just feel on top of the world, no matter what happens. This week’s been one of
those weeks. Despite the crazy electrical storms every night and the constant
earthquakes (5.6 on the Richter scale) every morning, I’ve got a constant smile
on my face, right now.
There’s currently an essay contest being held by the
American Embassy. It’s for students throughout the regions of Azerbaijan.
Samira, a constant mention in this blog, submitted her essay. It is one of the
more extraordinary essays I’ve ever read, not even considering the fact that
she is only 15 and English is not her first OR second language. I just had to
share it, but did not change it whatsoever! Enjoy!
My dream is…
First I want to meet you with some people.
Hatma – 15 years old. Lives in Turkey. She loves watching
students going to school. But she can’t study. Because she has a wedding next
month. But she doesn’t know who will be her husband. The only thing that she
knows about him, that he is the friend of her father, 62 years old…
Cavid – 5 years old. Azberbaijanian. Lives in orphanage. His
parents left him when he was 3 years old. From that day Cavid spends all his
free time in front of the window. “Maybe my parents will come to take me, but
they won’t see me and go back…”
Asad – 21 years old. Her mother had a big health problem.
Her kidneys had to be changed or she could die. Asad asked many organizations
for help. But nobody helped. Asad didn’t want to lose the only person in his
life and stole money. He’s in the prison now. But he isn’t regret. Because he
knows that his mother is alive. And that’s enough for him…
Aisha – 7 years old. Lives in Afganistan. Everyday she wakes
up to the voice of guns. Everyday she feels fear, everyday she cries. And
everyday she thinks, “how the people living in the peaceful country are
happy!!!”
Bakir – 67 years old. He lived all his life for his
children. His wife died when she was 41. Bakir was a worker. All day he carried
heavy stones in his back. But he never left his children hungry. But now he is
in a rest home. Because his children don’t want an old and weak man in their
house…
Almaz – 6 years old. Everyday gets “2” from lessons. But the
teachers don’t know the reason why she doesn’t study. Her drunk father
everynight beats her mother. And Almaz is tired of pretending like she’s
sleeping while her mom cries secretly all night. Because of this Almaz --- 6
years old girl has psychology problems…
Yes, maybe they are just my characters, but I’m sure that
there’re many people like them. And my dream is just to see them happy. I don’t
want any high buildings, worldwide song contests, big concert halls…I just
wanna see smiles on their face. I want to be sure that there’s no helpless
people when I’m happy. This is my dream!!!
That is beautiful!!She has such a kind heart!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am fortunate to have met Samir. You, Jake, are not responsible for Samir. You, Jake, can not take credit for Samir's gift. But you, Jake, have given her a time, place and atmosphere to help her find her voice. Young Azerbaijani women/girls expressing themselves freely with creativity and imagination; students wanting and feeling free to participate in a writing competition; activities addressing gender equality in a Muslim culture. Welcome, Jake, to your legacy. Your contributions ARE self sustaining. Congratulations.
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