“Always remember your roots, they are the foundation of your life and the wings of your future.”

– Unknown

As a child of two immigrants, growing up was a different experience for me. I was the first in my family who was born in the United States of America. I consider myself very lucky to have had the opportunity to have my culture still with me today.

Bosnia is a country located in southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. It’s a small country with amazing views and destinations.

Both of my parents were born and raised in Bosnia and built their lives together there. It wasn’t until 1995 that everything changed for them and my family as a whole.

1995 was the year the mass genocide known as Srebrenica took place and took over my parents’ home and killed over 8,000 Bosnians. My family had no choice but to escape with what they had in their pockets.

In 1994, my sister and best friend was born in Denmark, which was their first stop in their travel to America. Once they arrived to America, the three of them lived in Texas for a few years.

Their last stop was Detroit, Mich. where they had me on Jul. 13, 1998. We lived in city right outside of Detroit for the first couple years of my life, then moved 30 minutes away to Warren. Since then, we have lived in the same house and created a lot of memories.

I grew up learning Bosnian as my first language and English almost immediately after. I was involved with my culture with dance, classes and community events. Growing up with my culture and having it close to me was a privilege and always will be.

Fast-forward to the year 2020. I’m a senior at Central Michigan University preparing to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast and cinematic arts and journalism.

The one thing in life I’m most thankful for is my parents for coming to the states with nothing and building up our family for success. I have had so many opportunities at this point of my life that wouldn’t have been possible without my parents and their support.