Last year, I made a huge decision to move to the Middle East. 

My sister and dad live and work there, so they were able to help get me a visa. Moving there was terrifying because everything was new to me, especially the culture and the religion.

I moved to Kuwait which is about an hour-long flight from Dubai. A lot of people have opinions on the Middle East, and I am so happy I went there to experience what it’s like so I can change people’s views on it. It’s a beautiful place and I miss it a lot.

I lived half of the year with my dad and the other half with my sister, who is my best friend. I was able to get a job at the school she works at. She’s a third-grade teacher and just got promoted to assistant principal and I’m super proud of her.

I worked as the assistant librarian and I couldn’t have asked for better coworkers. I see teachers very differently now, and it’s cool to see how they manage in the classroom and outside of it. My coworkers turned into some of the best friends I’ve ever had, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I will always thank Jordan, Derian, Zach, Emmanual, Heather and so many more for helping me open up and become my true self. 

In Kuwait, I lived across the street from a mosque and every day you could hear the call of prayer and it was pretty cool. I learned a lot about cultural clothes, food and daily lives. In Kuwait, and a lot of places around the world, there are clothing rules. It sounds crazy, but it’s a part of the culture. You cannot wear most things people wear in the states.

I came back to the states with a brand-new mindset. I think traveling the world is something everyone needs to try. No matter where you go, you will find new things that you will remember for the rest of your life. There is so much more out there for people to see.