When I was seven years old, I had my first encounter with explosions in Baghdad. Soldiers would often come to every house to search for weapons. As I grew up, the war had a negative impact on me. Realizing the great danger that the city presented, my parents decided to move our entire family to another town where we could live together in a large house. The events happening in Baghdad filled us with fear, both from what had already happened and what was expected to happen. Eventually, when the level of violence decreased, we went back to Baghdad but discovered significant changes.
During the war in Iraq, many houses were burned or damaged, leading to a feeling of depression among people. Even though I was only nine years old at that time, I remember this period vividly. The aftermath of the war created an environment that felt unsafe and unpredictable, which had a lasting impact on my life. One afternoon, while returning home from school in Baghdad, I had a horrifying experience when I stumbled upon the lifeless body of what seemed to be a teenager callously thrown away in a dump. This distressing incident is just one example of numerous troubling memories I have from my time in Iraq.
Despite the scorching heat, I have vivid memories of a time when my hometown experienced a power outage. Unfortunately, during that period, I witnessed individuals being harmed or potentially abducted. However, I was unable to intervene due to the danger it would have posed to myself. As darkness fell upon us, our house became infiltrated by enemy soldiers who were unlawfully searching for weapons against our wishes. Sadly, there was nothing I could do to stop them. Additionally, there were heartbreaking moments when I encountered people in tears over the loss of their child. My attempts to provide comfort proved unsuccessful as words failed me. This harsh reality remains dishearteningly true and tragically persistent.
Having lived through war in my country, I have gained a genuine comprehension of its horrors that goes beyond what can be found in books. Despite the challenges faced, this experience has instilled in me an appreciation for life and the importance of setting objectives, such as acquiring an education and working towards achieving success. Enrolling in college to pursue further studies is the perfect route towards realizing my aspirations for a prosperous future. While I cannot alter the past or change reality, I do possess the capability to shape my own destiny.
My future plan revolves around studying computer engineering and science with the goal of finding groundbreaking resources that can enhance the lives of people in my home countries. Pursuing a college degree allows me to explore my ideas and acquire knowledge and experience beyond what a high school diploma provides. This is precisely why I came to America – to pursue success and lead a gratifying life without any apprehensions.
