Embracing Opportunities and Uncertainties

##Chapter 1: A Rocky Start to My Final Year 

My final year in school began on a less-than-ideal note. I remember my first day vividly - I walked into the assembly hall with tears streaming down my face while everyone else was seated, listening to the head teacher's address. The reason for my tears? The house we were moving into wasn't what I had expected.

My yearhead placed me beside a group of welcoming girls who soon became my friends. We spent break and lunchtime together, which made the year feel both long and fleeting. Despite their warmth, I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't quite fit in.

##Chapter 2: Dealing with Rumors and Overcoming Self-Doubt

As the second half of the year rolled around, my world took a downturn. I found myself at the center of a false rumor, one so absurd that no rational person would believe it. However, the rumor's persistence and the feeling of being talked about in my presence took a toll on me. The situation left me overwhelmed and feeling like a failure.

The girls I considered friends ended up believing the rumor, leading to a falling out. I began to spend my break and lunch hours alone. Through it all, I had the added stress of university and college applications, applying for both as a backup.

##Chapter 3: End of an Era

The school year came to a close, and on the last day, my R.E. teacher brought me and the girls together to make amends. I forgave them, but things were never quite the same. We signed each other's shirts and said our goodbyes. The entire year celebrated at the park, but I felt like I was no longer part of the team and left early.

I sat for my exams, and summer arrived. I looked forward to visiting my family back in Syria for the first time in five years. The trip was an emotional reunion with family and friends. While I was in Syria, I received my exam results, and although I didn't make it to university, I did get into college. I was thrilled, and my achievement in Spanish with a B boosted my spirits. 

##Chapter 4: College and Future Prospects

I returned from my holiday and started college. The small, friendly class made me feel remarkably comfortable, and the subject matter was relaxed and engaging. I excelled in both Block 1 and Block 2. This motivated me to apply for university, and I was accepted with a conditional offer of a B. Thankfully, I achieved that grade.

Now, I'm in my third year of university, and just one more step awaits me before graduation. The future is uncertain, but I've come to embrace the uncertainty as a journey full of valuable lessons.

##Conclusion: Embracing the Future

My journey has been a rollercoaster, with highs and lows, but each experience has contributed to my growth and resilience. As I look ahead, I'm excited to see what 2023 has in store for me. Join me in my next blog, where I'll reflect on the year and share more about the lessons I've learned and the experiences that have shaped me.

A Journey of Resilience

Welcome to a story of new beginnings, fresh challenges, and the resilience to face them head-on. It all began when my family decided to make Glasgow our home after a month-long visit. But before we could settle in Scotland permanently, we had to make one last trip back to Italy.

##Chapter 1: A Fresh Start in Glasgow

Returning from Italy for the last time, we joined my uncle in Glasgow. We moved into an unfurnished house in the midst of winter, sleeping on inflatable mattresses with warm blankets. My mom began the process of establishing our status as EU citizens in the UK before we started looking for schools.

I enrolled in Kings Park High School in Castlemilk, and the transition to the British education system was challenging. The school was filled with both friendly students and those who engaged in bullying. Over time, I developed the resilience to withstand the difficulties.

##Chapter 2: Adapting to a New School

Kings Park High School provided a mix of experiences, including encounters with bullying. I often pondered the reasons behind their behavior, but I learned that bullies seek strength by making others feel weaker. Over time, I became stronger and more resilient, learning to withstand such challenges.

After a year, my uncle decided to settle down, prompting us to find a new place to live. We secured a flat that would be our home for the next three years. These years were filled with both challenges and moments that felt like a dream.

##Chapter 3: A Mother's Struggle

During this time, my mother's health began to deteriorate, leading to numerous visits to the GP. They prescribed vitamins, unaware that these medications were contributing to her health issues. After months of suffering and strange symptoms, my mom was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, and her treatment began.

I moved to Holyrood Secondary School, where I slowly started making new friends. They offered support during a difficult time, even though I rarely shared my struggles with anyone.

##Chapter 4: Resilience and Growth 

My grades in Holyrood weren't the best, and I grappled with self-doubt. I believed I wouldn't make it to university or achieve success like my peers. However, I've come to realize that every step in my journey was a lesson. My challenges and successes have shaped me into a strong, independent person, continually improving and striving for the best.

##Chapter 5: Escaping the Flat and New Beginnings

Years passed, and we eventually left the challenging flat behind. In my final year of school, I had to bid farewell to my friends and transition to a new school. I faced the uncertainty of my last year, the pressure of getting good grades for university, and the nagging feeling of being a burden.

##Chapter 6: Looking Ahead

My journey has been one of resilience and personal growth. The next blog will delve into my final year at St. Paul's High School, my journey to university, and how I arrived where I am today. Stay tuned for the next chapter in my story of hope, growth, and perseverance.

A Journey of Goodbyes and New Beginnings

The bags are packed, the last goodbyes have been said, and the tears have been shed. It's time to embark on a new journey. Our first adventure took us from Turkey to Italy, and it was filled with challenges and exciting moments. In this blog post, I'll take you back to the days when our family packed up and left behind everything we knew to start a new life in a foreign land.

 

##Chapter 1: Saying Goodbye

The last days in Turkey were tough. We had to say our goodbyes, not just to family, but to the new friends we had made during our time in Turkey. Saying goodbye had become a constant companion in our lives, no matter where we went or what we did. Whether it was parting with family or friends, we had to learn to say goodbye with heavy hearts.

 

##Chapter 2: The First Flight

As we were ready to depart, we made our way to Gaziantep's small airport. It was my first time ever at an airport, and I was brimming with excitement. Back then, I didn't think much about what lay ahead in Italy. Looking back now, I realize that my mom, a single mother with two children, must have been carrying a world of worries and stress. She's truly a hero for making such a significant step to take us into the unknown, to a country she had never been to before.

We loaded our luggage, checked in, and waited in line to board the plane. Though I don't remember that moment clearly, I have pictures saved as memories. I was excited to be on my first flight, capturing moments as we flew over the Alps. It was a thrilling experience, and I was living the dream of a little kid.

 

## Chapter 3: Arrival in Italy

Our journey to Italy was during the Christmas season, and the cold greeted us upon our arrival in Perugia. However, our flight didn't land there. Instead, we landed in Rome and had to take a train to Perugia. It was a hectic experience, especially with a lot of luggage and tight connections. We had to rush to catch the next train, but the scenic beauty of Perugia's hilltop city center was worth the chaos.

 

## Chapter 4: Life in Perugia

For the first six months in Italy, we had to stay in a Nun's house, which came with strict rules. There were set times for waking up and going to bed. If we left the house, we had to return before 8PM, and being late came with consequences. The meals were provided, but we had to eat whatever was served, which could be challenging at times.

 

## Chapter 5: The School Days

I started attending school, and the morning walks to school with my brother and mom were memorable. The school had a few English-speaking students, which helped with communication. My French teacher, originally from Morocco/Algeria, went out of his way to make me feel welcome. He even had me represent Aleppo, my hometown, to the class, and it was a heartwarming experience.

 

## Chapter 6: New Beginnings

The six months passed quickly, and we moved to a rented house on our own. Changing schools was easier as I had picked up the language. Making new friends was a breeze, and I was fortunate to find a group of lovely girls who welcomed me with open arms.

## Conclusion: 

Our journey from Turkey to Italy was filled with farewells, challenges, and new beginnings. But the story doesn't end here. Stay tuned for the next chapter of adventures in my life as we move to Glasgow, Scotland, and continue our journey.

A Journey of Hope: From Syria to Turkey

Welcome aboard on a journey that takes us back 11 years when my family and I embarked on a life-changing adventure. As I reflect on it now, it's astonishing how time can both fly by and stand still, all at once. We found ourselves in Turkey, fleeing the ongoing war in Syria, and this was the beginning of our time-traveling trip.

## Chapter 1: The Decision

It all began when the war in Syria was raging, and my entire family was still living there. No one had left the country yet, except for one of my uncles, who had sought refuge in Turkey. Turkey and Syria share a border, and during his visit, he convinced my mother to consider the possibility of a better life in Turkey. She agreed.

We started packing our belongings – clothes and personal items. We didn't carry much, but the car's trunk was filled to the brim. I was just a kid, blissfully unaware of the trials that lay ahead. I was excited because I thought we were going on my first holiday, but reality quickly shattered that illusion.

## Chapter 2: The Journey

After tearful goodbyes with family, we set out on a long journey to Turkey. My uncle took the wheel of my mom's car, and we began the drive, facing frequent stops due to military checkpoints. These stops were necessary to ensure we weren't carrying any explosives. While I can't recall the exact duration of the drive, I remember it being a lengthy and tense journey. But we made it safely in the end.

## Chapter 3: Life in Turkey

Our new home was my uncle's rented house, which was modestly sized but comfortable. We were fortunate to have a friendly landlord, and even though we couldn't speak Turkish initially, we could sense the warmth of the people we met. I didn't attend school immediately because our arrival coincided with the second semester, and I wouldn't have understood much anyway.

Summer arrived, and my younger brother and I spent our days at the nearby park. The gardener's two sons, close in age to my brother, became our playmates. Language barriers disappeared as we played and connected.

## Chapter 4: Making Friends

As the summer wore on, I started feeling the absence of my friends and family from back home. That's when I met Sanem, a lovely girl whom I often encountered at the park. Our interactions began with smiles, eventually evolving into a mix of English and Turkish conversations. We spent our days exploring the park, talking, and enjoying each other's company. Funny enough, I still have a picture of the park that was across from where we stayed, a cherished memento of those beautiful moments we shared.

Turkey didn't feel too foreign to me, perhaps because the city resembled Aleppo, or maybe because many Syrian refugees had also made their way here. We all held onto the hope that the conflict would end soon, but little did we know that it would be an 11-year journey and counting.

## Chapter 5: Learning Turkish

Six months into our stay in Turkey, my Turkish language skills improved dramatically. People often asked if I lived here for an extended period, and they were surprised when I revealed it had only been six months. I even joined an Arabic school run by a Turkish teacher and my former high school head teacher.

## Chapter 6: A Reunion

The last month in Turkey brought a heartwarming reunion. My grandparents and aunt managed to visit us, and the memory of that day is etched into my soul. The photo was snapped on the family's second day as we enjoyed breakfast in the shared garden of our apartment. Now, all those memories are rushing back, filling me with the fond recollection of those precious moments. Family is a priceless gift, and if you still have the opportunity to spend time with your loved ones, seize it. The days will inevitably slip away, and you may come to regret not fully appreciating these cherished moments. Their visit was bittersweet, as we knew it would be challenging to see them once we left for Italy. 

## Conclusion:

Our time in Turkey was filled with challenges and new friendships. It was a significant chapter in our lives, and the hope for a better future was our guiding light. The next part of our journey took us to Italy, and I invite you to stay tuned for the next chapter in this incredible journey.

 

Navigating Life’s Tapestry: A Journey from Aleppo to Glasgow

 Dear readers,

Welcome to my tapestry of life, where I unfold the weaves of my journey, unraveling the threads that have shaped the person I am today. This blog will not only be a nostalgic walk down the myriad lanes of my past but will also resonate with the emotions and pride that accompany it. It’s rare that we reflect and share our life stories, perhaps because we often regard them as our personal treasures. Admittedly, the idea of sharing my story initially seemed daunting. However, as the words flow, a newfound confidence and a sense of contentment envelop me.

## Introducing Myself: Danya Djamous 

For those of you who know me as a friend or family member, a warm hello! And for those of you new to my world, welcome! My name is Danya Djamous, a 22-year-old currently residing in the ever-rainy Glasgow, Scotland. Originally, I hail from Aleppo, Syria, a city renowned for its rich history and exquisite cuisine.

Living with my mother and younger brother, our journey is a testament to our collective strength, starting from the moment we had to flee our homeland due to the unfolding war in Syria.

## Embarking on a Journey

My journey is intertwined with transitions from one country to another. And what’s a journey without some travel, right? As a native of Syria, this is where our odyssey commences. So, sit tight as we soar through my turbulent yet transformative past. Expect a plethora of pictures elucidating those core memories, offering a glimpse into the spectrum of my emotions at each phase.

Our first stop is Turkey🇹🇷, a place that marked the onset of countless challenges. However, these difficulties were transient, and life soon found its equilibrium.

## First Flight to Italy 🇮🇹 ✈️

Next, I invite you to join me on my maiden flight to Italy—a journey imbued with anticipation and exhilaration. Reflecting on my initial flights draws a chuckle, considering my subsequent flying experiences. This journey was not just a geographical shift; it was a realization of my fortune to have these opportunities when many were struggling for survival.

Italy, a country I had only witnessed in photographs, became my residence for a year. Never had I imagined residing in this picturesque nation, and experiencing it firsthand was an unexpected gift.

## Moving to Glasgow 

However, the winds of change blew once more, guiding us to Glasgow when my mother’s deteriorating health necessitated a supportive environment, surrounded by family members.

## A Glimpse into the Upcoming Journey

I’m reserving the nuances of my odyssey for future posts, allowing you, my readers, to traverse each segment of my life at a time, relishing the memories alongside me.

Looking forward to sharing more of my journey with you. Stay tuned.💖