A Journey to a New World

by Rufina Wea

I was born during a chaotic civil war and grew up suffering the consequences of brutal men in the pursuit of power. I wish I would have had a normal childhood, but instead, I experienced humanity at its worst. My journey started in Liberia, West Africa, where I spent most of my childhood, surviving instead of living. My family and I traveled to surrounding countries, seeking refuge in our pursuit of safety. After staying in a refugee camp for some time, we eventually settled and waited until the war ended.

Shortly after, my family and I moved back home. Nonetheless, home did not feel like home anymore. Our land was decimated by the effects of the war, subsequently causing hunger, poverty, and an increase in crime. After years of failing to recover and rebuild, my mother traveled to the United States. While my mother was in the US, a threat in the form of a second Civil War occurred.

Fearing for our safety, my mother decided we should relocate with her. As a result, my siblings and I left everything we knew and traveled for a fresh start. This new beginning was an opportunity not to be defined by our past. I was ten years old when we reconnected with our mother. As I looked at the joy on my mother’s face, I realized that my days of fearing for my life were over. The United States was a complete cultural shock. I had to adapt to a new way of living. Where I came from, most people looked and spoke like me. I wasn’t accustomed to meeting people from different nationalities, religions, and beliefs. Later, I realized that many people in this country had similar stories. They left their home countries and journeyed to this country, searching for new opportunities.

Even though my childhood wasn’t ideal, I’ve accumulated many incredible life lessons. My experiences have taught me to navigate many different situations, and I have gained the wisdom and strength to withstand adversity. Therefore, I will always persevere no matter what life throws at me. I took advantage of the United States’ opportunities and reinvented myself. I am now a proud American citizen, a business owner, and a student.