“No One Chooses to be a Refugee” ~ Umar Barrie

How does one make the decision to leave behind all they have, all they have ever known, and all they hold dear to begin again in a country that is not their own, in a culture that is unfamiliar, and integrate into a society that in many cases does not want them?  

In my efforts to study and understand migration patterns and refugee efforts, I have sought most to determine the reasons it becomes necessary for one to make such an unbelievably difficult decision. Throughout the course of history, people have left their homes to seek a better life elsewhere in cases of war, famine, natural disaster, violence, or persecution. For those of us who have not experienced such a crisis, the thought of leaving behind all we know to face uncertainty is unimaginable.

During this study abroad, some of us have had a limited experience of arriving alone in a country where we do not read, write or speak the language and navigate cities that at times do not feel the most welcoming.  We have had the unique privilege of meeting with refugees who have bravely share their stories of fear, confusion, frustration, and despair.  We have seen the faces of humans rightfully demanding change and heard the voices of those urging us to be that change.  As we move forward through this experience, we must ask ourselves if we are willing.