Years of Hardships and Success
For the Syrian young lady Lena Albeik, coming to the U.S. as a teenager with her younger brother was a challenge she had to win- and she did. She was only 19 years old when she arrived in the U.S. in 2015. She had to leave Syria because of the crisis there. Fortunately, she had two American half-brothers whom she had never seen before, however, they welcomed her and her brother with open arms and hearts.
Her brother was a minor, so she was responsible for providing for the two of them. She worked in different places in Little Rock, Arkansas, while pursuing her education. Now, she works as a teacher for students with dyslexia. They have been tough years for Lena, especially because her parents and two other siblings were prevented to enter the U.S. because of the previous travel ban on Muslims. Lena did not see them for more than five years.
Despite all the hardships she faced, Lena managed to make huge progress in her life. She is 24 years old now and she just received her American citizenship and bought a new house. In this photo story, you will have a look at the life of a strong, independent Syrian woman.
 This is Lena Albeik. She is 24 years old and she has an inspirational story to tell. |  Lena has not been able to visit Syria since she left in 2015. |
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 She had to flee Syria and since then she did not see her family. They could not come because of the Muslim ban which was imposed. |  Still, Lena is blessed with having her brother and two American step brothers with her in the U.S. |
 After working in many places she is now a teacher in Lisa Academy in Little Rock, AR. |  Lena loves working with kids. |
 She teaches students with dyslexia. |  It is a hard job, but teaching the kids is fun. |
 Muslims always appreciate spending the Islamic fasting of Ramadan with their families. A thing Lena can not do because her family is still in Syria. |  Because of Covid-19, Lena did not manage to celebrate the Islamic celebration, El-Eid, with friends. |
 In 2020, Lena received the American citizenship. |  An unforgettable moment for Lena. She has now a dual citizenship. |
 Lena considers the U.S. her second home. |  However, she will always love her homeland, Syria. (The word is also written in Arabic). |
 Lena loves cooking. She made this delicious Middle Eastern Basbousa, for me. |  Cookies are the most American dessert Lena likes to eat. She worked in a bakery shop before. |
 Praying is Lena's way to keep her spirit high while being far away from family. |  Reading the Islamic holy book, Al-Quran spreads peace in Lena's heart. |
 In her free time, Lena plays her favorite board game, Chess. |  After only five years in the U.S., Lena bought her new house. She is waiting for the arrival of her family to the U.S. soon after lifting the Muslim ban. |