{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-story-js","path":"/story/the-biggest-move-of-f/","result":{"pageContext":{"data":{"id":"-737195a2-5a46-5d5f-b7cf-01821df122b2","authorFirstName":"Fadi","storyTitle":"The Biggest Move of My Lifetime-Qatar to the USA","photo":{"asset":{"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/images/nr9digz2/production/37ae69071cbf3279c9d5fc92f6056cc6be30f781-1500x1000.jpg"}},"audio":{"asset":{"url":"https://cdn.sanity.io/files/nr9digz2/production/b9b9ff879e0b594c295a697294c79bd1dd889f96.mp3"}},"secondLanguageAudio":null,"school":{"name":"2nd Nature Academy (SNA)","city":"Nashua","location":"New Hampshire"},"tags":[],"_rawText":[{"_key":"5327008a71bf","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"523fd1ed2aa10","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"I remember the first time my parents told me that our big move to the United States was inevitably approaching us. Upon hearing this, I went into denial as I had been so used to and oriented to the environment of Qatar having  lived there for over 10 years. All of my friends were there, and we essentially all grew up together, and we were looking forward to graduating high school in a few years. Imagining a life where I would have to travel over 6,500 miles away from them for good was definitely not on my list of high priorities. . As the months passed by, I began to slowly accept it and I realized that this would be best for me and my family because of  the opportunities that would open up with this big move."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"ff23f33abf74","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"fe12704dcdb60","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"A lot of people dream of being able to move to America to change their lives and to have the capability of achieving  the dreams and desires that they would like to accomplish. We also have many relatives who live all around the United States and that made it a whole lot easier to accept the move. Two weeks before the move, I finally accepted it and I decided to look  at the positives that may come from this move: new places to explore, new people to meet, new weather to get used to, and endless possibilities. I also accepted that a visit back to Qatar is always possible, making reliving the memories and meeting up with my old friends that much more special. "}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"},{"_key":"27091c044de0","_type":"block","children":[{"_key":"5b7d63ded3950","_type":"span","marks":[],"text":"Upon arrival in the United States, we were warmly welcomed by our family and friends and driven to our hotel where we stayed for about a week before moving to our newly bought home. We had also begun to orient ourselves to our surrounding environment. With the help of family and friends, we were able to feel comfortable and call this our new home. Now, over 9 months later, I am very much oriented into our new environment, and I have realized just how repetitive my routine was back in Qatar. Moving from such a small country where you know just about everything, to a country where you may experience endless amounts of activities was truly something unique and special for me and my family. I have enrolled in an amazing private school where all students and teachers are extremely welcoming and outgoing, making the experience that much better. With the United States being so diverse, we are still able to embrace our culture as well as meet people of our own culture and various others, helping us feel a sense of belonging throughout our journey.This move has changed my life in ways I never expected. Back in Qatar, everything felt normal and familiar, but here in the U.S., every day brings something new. I have had to adjust to a different school system, a new way of life, and even my first snowfall. The diversity here has introduced me to people from all backgrounds, helping me to learn more about different cultures and ways of thinking. At first, it was tough, but I’ve made great friends and I’ve become more independent. I’ve learned that change isn’t always bad—it can bring new opportunities and exciting experiences. While Qatar will always be a special part of me, I now appreciate the chance to be part of two different worlds. This move, which once felt scary, has turned into an incredible journey that is shaping my future in ways I never imagined."}],"markDefs":[],"style":"normal"}]}}},"staticQueryHashes":["3309388390","890781507"]}