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Personal Memory Data Writing Exercise 1
I feel that migrating to US for continuing my studies was the most difficult and important decision of my life. I had to leave my home and family behind to pursue my life and career. It included all types of fears and cultural shocks for me. I belong to a Muslim family residing in Saudi. Moving to US was like moving to another planet with different traditions and culture. However, this phase of my life molded me into becoming a more mature, responsible and thankful person. I thank my God every day for the great family he has given me, for the opportunities I have in life and for helping me and guiding me throughout my life.
Personal Memory Data Writing Exercise 2
I choose my daily period to elaborate.
5:30am-6:30am (morning prayers): I woke up at the break of dawn to perform my morning prayers. After the prayers, I continued with the recitation of the Holy Book.
7:00 am-7:30 am (breakfast): I quickly gobble down my cereal and fruits and headed off to the university where my first class started at 8:00 am.
8:00 am-12:00 noon: I had back-to-back classes until noon. After that I had some free time so I went to the library relax myself.
1:00 pm-1:15pm (prayer time): I took out fifteen minutes from my lunch hour to offer my afternoon prayers.
1:15pm-1:30pm (lunch): I had a hamburger and some milk at lunch.
1:30pm-4:00pm: I had classes in university.
4:00pm-6:00pm: I prayed and then went for soccer practice as I love the sport and spend my evening practicing and playing it.
6:00pm-8:00 pm: I went home, showered, prayed and ate supper. I talked to my family back home via the Internet.
8:00pm-10:00pm: I revised my work from university and studied for the quizzes that were due the next day.
10:00 pm (Bed Time): I offered my last prayers of the day and I went to bed to wake up fresh and early for the next great day ahead.
Personal Memory Data Writing Exercise 3
- ‘Do not compromise on your belief and values’: When I was migrating to a country whose national religion was different from ours.
- ‘Keep it up’: This is how I was congratulated for my awards and achievements over the years.
- ‘Where there is a will, there is a way’: After being rejected initially, a visa to US, my family constantly consoled me that the time will come when I will get a visa.
- ‘Never lie’: When I used to hide things from my parents about school, grades or friends.
- ‘Mom knows everything’: The time when I tried to lie to my mother about me feeling alright but she knew better.
The first proverb, ‘Do not compromise on your belief and values’, is something that we were taught from day one. I was never restricted for anything. Except that I was taught that, there is nothing greater than your belief. So whatever you do, just think for a moment, if it is in accordance with your belief. This single teaching has made me a better person. I never intentionally hurt anyone or anything. This has helped me help many families back in Saudi who were without children and needed certain help around the house or just needed company. I used to go over to those couples and make them feel wanted and alive.
Personal Memory Data-Writing Exercise 4
The five mentors that I will remember throughout my life are:
- My mother
- My 4th grade Science teacher, Mr. Jack Henderson
- My roommate and best friend, Adil Shaikh
- My immigration consultant
- My teaching assistant at the university, Mr. Jason Benedict
I will always be thankful to my mom for teaching me the importance of human value and life. Even though I was born in a conservative thinking country, I was raised to be open-minded and speak for the right of freedom. I believe in freedom of choice and speech. Throughout her life, my mother has set an example for us to follow and I am proud to be her child.
