The name I was given was Asilah. I was born in the Bronx in New York state. I did not stay there long because my parents moved around a lot, as my dad was still struggling to find a job in a country where he barely knew the language, and my mom took care of six children on her own. I have two older brothers, and as the oldest daughter, I tried my best to take a weight off my mother’s shoulders.
My parents really wanted us to get an education as life was very tough and hard for them. They did not want us to have the same struggles. Unfortunately, school was a struggle for me, unlike my siblings, who seemed to grasp things faster. My shyness did not help as I could never ask for help, and when I finally found the courage, I asked the wrong people who made me believe that education was not for me. So, I dropped out to focus on taking care of my family, and I do not regret it.
After so many years, the thought of getting my education was terrifying; asking for help is even more frightening. I had a fear of talking with strangers or socializing. I could not even go to the grocery store. When I finally mustered the courage to take the first step toward my education, I found The Literacy Alliance. The first thing I noticed was the stories of the other students and their struggles. Thanks to them, I sent the email. I was waiting for someone to treat me horribly, or I would embarrass myself and not return. I am sorry to say there was a lot of pressure on Mr. Schlichtenmeyer, but he was so friendly and nice. Even when I refused to introduce myself, he did not make it into a big deal. It meant a lot to me. The Literacy Alliance team in the classroom, Melanee, and Amy, were the icing on the cake.
“I do not know where I want to go; I want to keep learning. I hope to one day be in a field where I can help children and the unfortunate and make my parents and the people at The Literacy Alliance proud.”
It was a struggle to come to class, but when I did, every day became easier. I would practice my hellos and good mornings and pushed myself to talk more than I usually did. More than they knew, the students and Amy made it very easy for me to talk to them. Just watching Amy be so passionate and always trying to help motivate me to do even better. I never took it fast, and no one rushed me. I hope to one day give them as much as they have given me.
Thankfully, my eagerness to help my family and help others is stronger than my lack of confidence in myself. I do not know where I want to go; I want to keep learning. I hope to one day be in a field where I can help children and the unfortunate and make my parents and the people at The Literacy Alliance proud.
Update: In late April 2021, Asilah passed the HSE exam and received her diploma. Everyone at The Literacy Alliance is very proud of everything she has accomplished, and we can’t wait to see what she will do next!
