by Stephanie Staples | photo by Leah Gray –
I’d tell you to imagine, but if you are fortunate you will not be able to – I certainly can’t.
So instead, pretend you are watching a movie … you see an eight-year-old Syrian girl fleeing with her family from the only home they have ever known. They’re some of the lucky few to get across the border, but they must be careful they don’t get into the wrong car or they will, quite literally, be murdered and their body organs sold. They are fortunate: they are “just” robbed of their money. In the next scene, you see the girl wake up at 4 a.m. and work from 5 a.m. until 8 p.m. – still less than 10 years old. Next scene: the girl and her four siblings and parents are refugees in Turkey; they are homeless, living in a park. They don’t have the luxury of trusting anyone; they expect that people will be cruel and that no one does anything kind without expecting something in return.
Obviously, these snippets are just the tip of the story-iceberg, but when I sat down for a chat with 18-year-old Reem Al Ibrahim, she was so full of smiles and gratitude and plans for the future, you would never imagine that this was her life not long ago. She has seen more strife in less than a decade than most of us will ever know and still, she is poised to change the world for the better.
What do you remember about your life in Syria?
I barely remember anything. All I remember is playing with my friends and for the last few months, I was not even able to go out on the street.
Can you share some of your experiences of being refugees in Turkey – having escaped from one country but not yet in your new home country?
Being refugees in Turkey was so terrible because you have absolutely no rights at all. We were always so afraid because from any small problem you would be deported back to Syria or go to prison because you left the country without the police knowing.
How do you feel about what your parents risked to bring your family here?
The conflict in Syria has resulted in the loss of our home and belongings. My parents have had to uproot our family, leaving behind the familiarity of our home and the stability of our lives to seek refuge in Turkey. It was a really big step and a huge change for the whole family but I really do appreciate them for this decision. I think it’s the best decision they have ever made!
Your family was sponsored by a local church community and I hope we in Sidney have made your family feel welcome. What has been helpful for your family during this huge time of transition?
The most helpful thing for us was having nice people who actually cared for us without expecting anything from us.
You arrived in Canada at age 13 and began eighth grade without speaking or understanding English, but you are now the main translator for your family. What was this like? How has this impacted you?
It was so hard in the beginning for all of us to learn English. I had some nights where I was crying because I didn’t speak the language and couldn’t communicate with the people. My siblings and I did pick up the language quite fast, but it was much harder for my parents. (Author note:…Reem’s parents are continually taking English classes and working hard to improve their second language.)
What do you do to handle the stress that comes with school, work, family obligations, being a newcomer etc. ? What do you love to do just for fun?
The best way to handle stress, for me, is to be closer to my family. Spending more time with them relieves my stress. I usually like to play games, bake, watch movies, activities and even just sit as a family. That’s my favourite thing to do.
Having just completed grade 12, you are now heading off to Camosun College to prepare for Nursing School. Congratulations! Why have your chosen this path?
I have chosen this path because most of the people who helped us were doctors or nurses. I also love to help people and take care of them, and I think the best way for me to help people is to be a doctor, or at least that’s what I believe.
Tell us about the process of becoming a Canadian citizen and how it felt?
It feels so good to be Canadian. I can’t tell you how proud I am to be Canadian.
What do you want us, as a community, to know about refugees? How can we help you and others who will follow in your footsteps?
Honestly, I think you guys are amazing; everyone is so welcoming and nice and lovely. Helping me and others who will follow in my footsteps is crucial for our success and personal development. Here are several ways you can help:
- offer mentorship and guidance;
- share your knowledge and experiences to help them navigate challenges;
- share resources, recommend books and suggest educational programs that can enrich their knowledge and skills;
- be a source of emotional support and offer a listening ear;
- provide encouragement to help them manage stress and anxiety associated with academic and personal challenges;
- share insights into different career paths and industries, help them explore their interests and align their education with their career goals.
The last words are yours …
Remember that your support can have a lasting impact on a person’s life and their ability to succeed in their chosen path. By offering guidance, mentorship and resources, you can help pave the way for their future success and inspire them to pay it forward to the next generation.
Your contributions can have a significant impact. Don’t judge the book by its cover! Thank you.
