Assia, what are you doing now?
I go to college Brandeis University in Massachusetts. I’m pursuing a major in International Relations and Global Studies. I picked that major because I want to work with refugees and love traveling so it seemed like a good combination. I am drawn to this work because I am a refugee. I want to be among the people who help because I know how it feels to be a refugee and I can be emotionally connected with them.
Where did you live before moving to Vermont?
I came from The Republic of Chad but I was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I traveled a lot so it’s hard to pin down one place.
How did your mentorship with Alice begin?
Someone at the refugee resettlement center introduced me to Alice because she’s familiar with the American system. It was part of the Crossroads Vermont mentoring program of USCRI Vermont. I’m a closed person so it was hard for me to ask for help. Once I got to know Alice and she gained my trust, anytime I needed help she was there for me. My English wasn’t good and her French wasn’t that good so that was interesting getting to know each other.
What is the secret to your enduring success as a mentor/mentee?
Assia: I feel like it’s how much you’re able to open to the person because they are there to help you. Alice is older than me and she knows more than me and she’s like part of my family now. She met my mom and I met her mom. We’re like family.
Alice: It’s been really nice for our families to get to know each other. We went to Assia’s house for Eid, and she came to my house for our family’s celebrations. Our families are genuine friends. Assia is very receptive. She asks questions and I appreciate very much how reciprocal and ‘two-way street’ our relationship is. It doesn’t feel like I’m nagging her about finishing her homework, but it’s about a deeper friendship. Assia’s mom really models openness and friendliness and is an example to follow.
Alice, what inspired you to be a mentor?
I moved to Vermont from Washington D.C. at the same time Assia moved from Chad and we were both looking for ways to develop a sense of community and belonging in our new homes.
Assia: We were both new. The first time we both met we connected about how new things felt and we explored this new place together.
Assia, how did your WSD education prepare you?
I started in 8th grade. When I came here I didn’t speak English so I learned how to speak a new language…adding to the many languages I already spoke. My home is already full of many languages, we speak Arabic and French…it was complicated. Winooski Middle High School (WMHS) taught me English, the American grading system, and the American school system in general. Alice was a big part in helping me clear up my confusion.
I learned how to write a personal narrative and research papers and college is helping me with the next phase of academic life. Brandeis has a traditional grading system so it’s been interesting to adapt to that system. Beyond academics, the WSD taught me about social justice, self-advocacy, and the importance of community, which are really valuable life-long skills.
What’s one of the fondest memories you have from your time at WSD?
I have a lot…most of them were in the gym with Sue Messier [WSD PE Teacher]. She’s my pal. The WSD is a big part of what really built me because it was the first school I went to and where I graduated. It’s still part of me. Leaving and starting life at college hurt in the beginning because I felt so connected to this school.
Alice: Heidi McLaughlin [WHS Guidance Counselor] worked with both of us to really support Assia’s journey. Assia set the direction with her goals and how I could be most helpful to her. We were fueled by Assia’s motivation and drive, I was able to work with Assia one-on-one, and Heidi was an excellent resource during the college search and in securing financial aid.
Assia, where do you think you’ll be in 10 years?
I want to work for the United Nations. And maybe have a Fiancé. Mostly, I want to do something for my community that can be remembered. We always talk about this with my friends. We want to do something for Winooski because our heart is still here. And I want to travel to as many places as possible. Also, get my Master’s Degree.
Alice, where do you see Assia in 10 years?
I think she has great potential to achieve the goals she just laid out. Wherever she goes she will draw people to her and use that skill to help strengthen communities and address the needs she sees.
Assia, what’s the most valuable thing you learned as a WSD student?
WSD is special. It has a big heart. Anybody can find a spot here. It depends on what you want and how much work you are willing to put in. There’s no discrimination – we have a lot of students who just came to the U.S. who are learning English. There is a sense of belonging and encourages people to graduate.
Alice, what’s the most valuable thing you learned as a WSD student mentor?
It has to be a two-way street. You have to reach out to people. People will reach back. People want to support each other. Reciprocal friendship is important to its strength and longevity. You have to be brave to do that.
What advice do you give current WSD students?
Assia: Ask for help. You can’t do it by yourself. Use Heidi McLaughlin. She’s there. Just ask for help. Set goals for yourself. It may be hard. I applied to Brandeis almost as a joke because I heard it was very selective. I got a call that told me I got it and I couldn’t believe it. Stay positive and don’t be afraid of failure.
Why do you heart Winooski?
Assia: WHS is a special place and everyone can bring their own feelings of heart and a sense of home or belonging. It’s a comfortable place that can be called home, not just a school. A part of me is still here in Winooski. I can still see my path of improvement: in 9th grade, I couldn’t even speak English and then I walked the stairs to graduate and now I’m in college!
Alice: We related a lot – Vermont is my home. I will come back here. A big sense of community came through being here in Winooski. People care about their neighbors and want to make their community a better place. I will stay feeling connected until I’m back.