My maternal grandparents have always inspired me. Although my grandfather passed a year before I was born, I have always admired hearing stories about him. The stories of his morality, his strength and his bravery. I was lucky enough to have maternal grandmother in my life till I was almost 11. My maternal grandmother was the most amazing woman, she had a kind and pure heart. She was forgiving and was unconditionally loving towards everyone not just family. My grandparents have always inspired me because the decisions they made allowed me to live the life I am living today.
My grandparents left Pakistan in the late 1970's through sponsorship of my mom's oldest brother, my maternal Uncle Aziz. They left the place they knew and lived to come to America, a place where they knew they could live a good life so their children could live a better life and get good jobs, education, and live a free life. In Pakistan, and in the countries around Pakistan, a lot of scary things were happening and it was becoming dangerous.They left the country, the language, and culture they knew to come to a new place. They left the place they were born and raised, and left their whole extended family. Putting myself in their shoes made me realize that it's so scary to come to a place you don't know or know anything about. But they were courageous and took the first step. They had to start all over and begin there life all over again.
My grandparents left Pakistan for a number of reasons, among them was religious freedom they were a Christian minority in a predominantly Muslim country. Another reason was the lack of opportunity for growth and economic opportunity in Pakistan. They knew coming to America would allow for growth. The decisions they made directly influenced me, in every way. My mother came to America at a very young age and was able to go to school here and build a life in America.
Another thing was my parents who are both Pakistani, met in America and married in America. If my grandparents hadn't come to America I wouldn't be here today. I wouldn't be living the life I am today. If it wasn't for my grandparents and Uncle Aziz I wouldn't be afforded the incredible opportunities I have today. Without the decisions my maternal family made I wouldn't have the education I have today. I wouldn't be given the options to make my own decisions and chose to be whoever I want, and chose to make my own choice in my career and my path in life.
I am able to live freely and without fear. Fear that my religion or ethnicity won't hold be back from any opportunities. I'm thankful that the brave choices of my maternal grandparents and Uncle made it possible for me live a free life and live out the "American Dream". I am able to live the best life possible because of them. I am forever grateful for the blessed life I live today.
