“Zara” from Syria

“It felt suffocating being the odd one out”

 

 

Zara’s family fled Syria, her birthplace, as the war continued to creep ever closer to their hometown; she could hear the bombs growing louder with each passing day. Fleeing to Lebanon, Zara left behind a life that had been “peaceful before the war.” She reminisces about her childhood in Syria, describing it as “definitely fun.” From Lebanon, her family eventually flew to the UK in December 2016.

 

When Zara arrived in the UK, she didn’t speak a word of English. She felt left out and unable to communicate with those around her — the isolation “felt suffocating.” On top of this, there was an element of culture shock. Back in her hometown, “everyone knew each other and was together,” but in the UK, she felt as if it was significantly “more quiet.”

 

Then, at one point, something just seemed to click — and suddenly, she could speak English. Although she continued to feel slightly alone, SRS was always there for her. Zara is still grateful for how SRS invited her family to a Christmas party when they first arrived in December and introduced them to other families who spoke the same language. Now, when Zara thinks about SRS, “family is the word that comes to mind first.”

 

Zara is now a university student in her second year and works a part-time job. At first, Zara struggled to balance studying and working, but she now sees it as an opportunity for growth. As she looks to the future, Zara hopes to work in HR because she loves “connecting with people,” and it gives her the chance to do just that — to hear their stories. She also dreams of going abroad after graduating from university, hoping to explore the world.

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