From Sudan to Troy, NY: Student desires to return home as a nurse

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By: Yusuf Sarujamohaden

Staff Writer

In 2014, Fatima Idris moved from Sudan to the United States with her family to pursue their dreams.

Idris is currently part of the individual studies program at Hudson Valley Community College but hopes to transfer to a nursing program once she transfers.

“I want to become a nurse, so I can go back to Sudan and help those who need it the most,” Idris said. “Especially those who live in southern Sudan, where doctors and nurses are not very common,” she said. “Southern Sudan is just now starting to recover from Civil War.”

One of her sisters is now at Hudson Valley Community College with her. Idris explained how having family on campus makes going to school more enjoyable.

Idris and her family moved to the United States Nov. 11, 2014.

“I was born in Khartoum, which is the capital of Sudan, located in North Africa,” Idris said.

Her mom applied for the American Visa Lottery program in 2013. “My mom always told me how, ‘If it’s meant to be, it will happen, and if it isn’t, then it won’t,’” Idris said. She believed it’s simply not worth it to stress or worry over something that is out of her control, especially in anticipation for something positive.

“Truly great feelings of happiness and content were experienced when I saw the pure joy on my parents’ faces [when they won],” Idris said.

Idris excitedly explained how even though her mother was the official winner, her entire immediate family was able to move to America.

“I still have a lot of family and friends back in Sudan, like my grandmother, grandfather, my aunts, uncles, cousins and even my neighbors,” she said.

“Along with going back to help South Sudan, I would also be going back to visit [my] grandmother, a nice long visit with her,” Idris said with a long breath in followed by a long breath out.

According to Idris, parents often make decisions in the families best interest, with kids often being the main reason. “There were many, many great benefits in coming to the United States,” she said.

Idris explained how her father was able to get a better job once they moved. She said the education and health care are better in America.

Idris quickly pointed out that winter was terrible. “I remember seeing snow for the first time,… but what I remember more was how strong and cold the wind was,” she said. Idris was in complete awe of how frigid and long-lasting a New York winter was.

Idris began school in Sudan at a small private school. She was more than satisfied with her private school education. “It was there where I learned most of my English,” she said. “Looking back now, I’m extra grateful for the English I learned there, because, little did I know, it would become an incredibly vital language for me [to] know.”

Idris is fluent in three languages, English being her third. Her first is the Nubian tribal language which is very uncommon, even for Nubians themselves. Her second language is Arabic.

Idris often reflects on her time in Sudan.

“Back home in Sudan, I’d usually meet with my friends roughly three times a week, and on [the] weekend I always visited my cousins,” she said. For Idris and nearly every other Sudanese, socialization is a heavy part of their day-to-day culture.  

“It’s a natural occurrence for everyone to frequent the beach at midnight: from kids and teenagers to adults and the elderly alike,” she said. It’s a way to enjoy the outdoors without being scorched by the sun, Idris explained.

“We like to sing together or just sit down and talk,” Idris said. “We sometimes play this game where we flip a bottle and try to have it land sanding upright,” she said. “Even the simplest of games and activities are highly enjoyed when done with friends and family we love.”

Idris still keeps her culture close to her. “One day out of the week is dedicated to spending time with my parents,” Idris said. “I have to make sure not to forget about my parents,” she said. “If I don’t do something fun with them or talk with them, they will be sad and that shouldn’t happen.”

Idris explained how inviting her culture is. She said that anyone would be welcomed into homes as if you were part of the family, even if you are a stranger. They will feed you and offer you a place to sleep, even if you had just eaten or slept.

“There is a saying I’ve heard plenty of times here in the U.S., it goes something like, ‘there’s nothing free in life,’” she said. “Maybe that’s the case here in the United States, but is not like that in Sudan.”