Personal Story
My Dreams Are Coming True
I am from Pakistan. Until I was 10 years old, I lived in
the city in a large house with my uncle and his
family. There were 13 people living in the house. We all
had a good time. When I was 11 years old we had to move
to the country because of a family tragedy. Our home was
taken away from our father and uncle. We were left very
poor. Then I found out my dad had lung cancer. I was very
sad. We became very close. We always ate lunch together
after school. I started to be a tomboy. I ran the family
bakery when dad got sick. We did not have electric
power. My mom cooked outside on a charcoal fire. At
night I pumped a pail of water for the family. I was the
second daughter of seven children. My mom was very
strict. If you did not follow her rules she would hit
you. Hitting is normal in Pakistan. Even teachers can hit
the students. When I was 16 years old, my parents arranged
for me to marry. Three families were interested. I was
shown pictures and told about the men. I chose the man
who was well educated because he could change my life
and my family’s. Marrying him made my dreams come
true. It didn’t bother me that my husband had polio. I still
wanted to marry him. We have four beautiful children, one
son and three daughters.
Coming to America 24 years ago was a big change
because I didn’t know the English language. As a child we
weren’t forced to go to school. I stopped after middle
school because of a head injury. I always dreamed of
becoming a doctor or nurse. America gave me the
opportunity to read and write. I am proud of myself because
now I have my drivers license, I am a U.S. citizen, and I
have my CNA. Since becoming a CNA I have qualified to
draw blood and pass out medications. My supervisor listens
to me and respects my opinion. My residents stand behind
me. They love me and I love them. I am in literacy school
and I have the best tutor: Connie. I finally have started
reading and writing sentences. I feel I am a lucky
woman. Two of our children have moved out but they are