Hiba's Story
Hi, my name is Hiba and I'm from Syria.
I came to this country in 1993 so I've
been here quite along time. I came here when I was nine yars
old with my mum and three brothers. At first I really enjoyed
it, it was fabulous coming to a new country that I've never been
to. But then I had to start a new school with new people and
on top of that I couldn't speak a word of English, well except
'hi', 'toilet', 'table' and 'chair' which isn't exactly useful!
That was extremely hard for me, because some of the other kids
used it to their advantage and would speak to me really fast
on purpose. Looking back I believe I had a very friendly group
of friends in my class, sure they were naughty from time to time,
but they did try to help me when I got stuck.
When starting a new school and leaming a new language, it's great
to have to some friends by your side. I was fortunate enough
to have that. However there are many people out there who do
not make friends and become lonely. Don't get me wrong, life
wasn't perfect for me and it probably isn't for many children
out there. In Syria I had the greatest group of friends, and
I missed them so much! Most of all I missed my family, my cousins,
my aunts but most of all, my grandmother. That longing I felt
for them was the worst, I missed them so much and it really hurt.
I always told myself to hang on and be strong but that wouldn't
have been enough if I didn't have my mum by my side. She gave
me the love I needed and comforted me when I was down. If you
really want my advice the best thing to do to get over that loneliness
is to be around people who love you and care for you. It may
not seem like much but believe me it counts for a lot.
I'm gonna tell you a little story of what happened to me a couple
of years back. It was an ordinary day, doing nothing! I'd just
been to school and everybody had to bring in pictures of their
relatives. I had blocked out thinking about my family 'cause
it made me very upset, and there was the teacher asking for pictures.
All I had to remember my family by were the memories; we left
all the pictures in Syria. So, I lied and said my mum wouldn't
let me bring them. The last thing I wanted was people asking
me why I didn't have pictures of my family. When I got home I
was really upset; it made the memories come rushing back after
I was tryig to block it out. I missed them so much the pain was
unbearable. I got home and went straight to my room and started
crying. I never shed so many tears in my life 'cause I never
had a reason to. There I was on my bed with tears running down
my cheeks, when I suddenly started laughing. It sounds weird
but I remembered this funny moment that my whole family and me
shared, all my cousins and grandmother and grandfather. It was
great, it bought a smile to my face and the pain started to ease.
From then on I told myself to remember my family for all the
good and funny things we've done and to look to the future when
I will hopefully be seeing them. That's what I always do now
and it helps me to relax and to smile, so it must work!
I've come to the end of my little story, but not before telling
you always to talk to somebody if you are feeling alone or upset.
Talking helps you to share your pain and your feelings. It feels
like a load has been lifted off your chest. Never keep things
to your self, even though I did! You might even want to cry,
that also helps. I cried a lot and I came to relax (it works,
honest!). But never think on the negative side, which gets you,
upset. Stick to thinking of the good things if it's possible.
If you want someone to talk to l'm always here, send an e-mail
and I'll try to contact you as soon as possible. Thank you!
Hiba
HEALTHY EATING
BALANCING YOUR FOOD: EAT A VARIETY
EAT:
BREAD, OTHER CEREALS AND POTATOES,
Includes:
Bread, rolls, chapattis, breakfast cereals, oats, pasta, noodles,
rice,
potatoes, sweet potatoes, maize, cornmeal, plantains, green bananas,
beans
and lentils.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
Includes:
Fresh, frozen and canned fruit and vegetables, salad vegetables,
beans and
lentils, dried fruit and fruit juice.
MILK AND DAIRY FOODS
Includes:
Milk, Cheese, Yoghurt, Fromage Frais.
MEAT, FISH AND ALTERNATIVES
Includes:
Meat, beef, pork, bacon, lamb,
Meat products = sausage, beef burger, meat pies,
Poultry = chicken, turkey,
Fish = fresh, frozen and canned,
Fish products = fish fingers, fish cakes.
Offal- liver, kidney