Personal Narrative Essay

"How serious is it mom?"

“Cancer is very serious.”

"Will papa die?" “...”

I did not know how to react, a mini panic attack was occurring inside my head. Since I was thirteen, I did not know much about cancer. All I knew was that people could die from it. My dad, my hero, was now fighting for his life. I wondered how long my parents had hid this from me. Even though I had many questions, I only asked, "What did the doctors say and when will he come home?" My mom replied, "It will take him some time to recover." I could not feel my body, though I started to shiver. I started to cry while my mom held me tight.

Summer was approaching fast and since my family emigrated from Pakistan, we did not have any relatives or close friends

I had finally arrived. I was standing and waiting for my aunt to pick me up. Looking around, I could tell this was a very different environment. I hastily converted my neck scarf into the traditional hijab. My identity changed in seconds. Everyone was wearing cultural clothing, the climate was different and I knew I had to adjust. Looking out through the car window everything seemed peculiar. The environment was dusty and the streets were narrow. After reaching home, it felt like I was trapped in an imprisoned dark room. Though I was not excited about my living situation, I kept reminding myself exactly what I was here for; my

Watching my father fall apart and not being able to do anything has changed my entire outlook toward life. Upon my return to America, I found myself acknowledging the diversity between us individuals. Starting from the differences of the people at the airport, to the drive home. I felt a new sense of felicity, now that I had experienced life in another country. I was always shy, had a low self-esteem, and easily gave up. Because of this experience, I have gained self-confidence, positivity, and motivation. I am more opened to trying new things and facing difficult challenges. Being put into this sheltered environment taught me one of the greatest lessons, which was to never give up. I learned to appreciate how ample my life is, unlike the deleterious little cells that took over my