All Over Albany

Finding refuge: Tafsela Hashimi

This week we're sharing the stories of a handful of refugees who have found new homes in the Capital Region.

Tafsela Hashimi came to the United States from Afghanistan about a year ago, with only her baby boy. She is reticent about why she fled her country for the United States -- she says she did not feel safe at home.

Tafsela wants to study. At home in Afghanistan she was forced to leave school. Here in the Capital Region, she is a single mother, raising a child, and working toward her dream of becoming a doctor.

What do you like about living here?

What I like first thing is freedom -- what I am wearing, where I am going. Nobody disturb me. Nobody stop me.

My country's culture is different. Not respect too much ladies. Lady outside working, shame. Lady study, shame. Every time only men doing in my country everything. Not giving chance to ladies. But here I am so happy when I see a bus driver is woman. I start now to learn to drive. This all things new for me, this all things make me happy here.

I find the people is very kind here. Here my teacher and my volunteer, Mr. Tim -- he helps me because I don't have a car here. When I have some problems he help me. Mr. Francis [from RISSE] help me take my baby to day care.

I see people having very kind heart. I like all the people giving me love and helping me. I'm so happy with all of these people.

Why did you come to the United States?

Because I was have in my country problem. I was not safe here. I went to another country -- I don't want to say that name -- but I got my visa and I came here. I was study a little bit in my country, up to 11th grade, but my school is not finished -- so I want to learn here first English and then I will get my GED and in future I planning to be a doctor.

What is your life like here?

I am happy for here. I am safe here living. I have freedom living here. Everyday is good. My life is going on. Little bit difficult because I know a little bit English. I am now start working here. I am working three day a week. I am coming to class and other days I look after my child. First I didn't understand English and I have the money problem.

But I came here and start a new life. I am slowly making my life again.

What do you miss from home?

I miss really my family. My moms. A long time I am far from them. This is 4 years, I am far from my family. I am missing my sister, brother. My also country I am missing. I hope someday my country be good -- no fight like that. Still my country having so many problem.

What do you wish people knew about being a refugee?

One thing is I think when they come, first days difficult -- but everyone have to support themselves. Now I start work three day. I don't like government to help me all the time. When my problem finish I want to start the work. I want to manage my life, support my life.

But still government helping for all the refugee -- but I don't like this much to help me. I want to give back.
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Earlier
+ Finding refuge: Haeneypew Sey
+ Finding refuge: Amgad Abdalla
+ Finding Refuge: Niebiha