Mariam Ibrahim
Aspiring MRI technician + English-Arabic Interpreter for Children’s Physical and Occupational Therapy + Vice President of Student Government Association at the Community College of Philadelphia
Nomination:
Nominated by herself: I believe that I am special because I have the richness of being an immigrant who explored this new world and engaged in many different things that made me proud of what I did so far. I think that I am special because when I believed that I could do something, I did it. I am special because I faced many challenges here in the United States and I am struggling with some things, but I am living and I am still believing in myself and my abilities.
About Mariam:
Mariam is originally from Egypt. She is an English-Arabic interpreter in a kids' physical and occupational therapy organization.
Mariam aspires to help people. Her current path is to become a radiation therapist, and then an oncologist, via her studies at Jefferson University. When she moved to the United States in 2016, it was nearly impossible for her to transfer her educational credits from Egypt. This pushed her to start a new career from scratch. At the beginning, she said it was difficult to stay in this country. She was isolated for more than one year–she didn't have friends, roots, or any local memories. Her English speaking skills were limited, which added to her timidness, so she often decided not to talk due to a fear of making mistakes. Later on, she went to the Center for Literacy, where she met Melanie, an English Teacher who helped Mariam develop a community that felt like a family. Soon thereafter, she learned about the Welcoming Center, which would also help her.
According to Mariam, she feels special because she has the richness of being an immigrant who has explored this new world and engaged in many different things. She faced many challenges and struggled sometimes, but she still believes in herself and her abilities. She worked on a project to encourage the City of Philadelphia Education Office to create free classes for Immigrants and is also becoming an ESL (English as a Second Language) Teacher.
"I want to tell anyone who will listen or read my story not to limit your expectations, just give yourself the time and the chance to achieve your goal. Trust in yourself, trust in your abilities, and do what you can do".
Article by I Belong Philly. Created by Waleska Lopez, Leidy Ochoa and Silvia Roldan.
Quotes from Mariam:
“I want to tell anyone who will listen to my story to not limit your expectations. Just give yourself the time and the chance to achieve your goal. Trust in yourself and trust in your abilities, and do what you can do. Be honest to yourself, and be mindful of each thing happening around you. And if anyone has helped you, try to help other people.”
"I feel successful. I built myself from zero, and then one step at a time."