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.