Last fall, I defined myself as a daughter, sister and friend. I had the responsibilities of an average teen. My story begins in Dubai. My parents had my siblings and I, and they decided to move to the U.S. so we could get a good education. When we came we filed a case for citizenship. We had gotten court dates and after twelve years we finally got approved for citizenship. My family and I had been waiting for this so we could get a chance to travel out of the U.S. to visit relatives and to gain opportunities that we didn’t have before. But then, one day
on October 24 last year everything fell apart.

While my siblings and I were at school, a fire started in my backyard injuring both of my parents. My mom was severely burned and passed away the next day. My dad remained in the hospital for a couple of months recovering from his burns. This all happened so fast and painfully. At first everything for me was numb but after a while there was so much agony. This was my junior year, the most important year of school for colleges and testing. I was at the state of confusion and distress most the time. I was already unsure of what I wanted to do and losing my mother just caused even more doubt. I have to be more of an adult faster. I have to be a mother to my little sister and be more independent and stronger. So far, I’ve been able to pick myself up whenever I fell down.

The five steps of grief are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. During the stages, I started to stop trying and give up easily on tasks. When I had to study for a test I wouldn't because I didn’t see the point of trying. I was tired all the time and didn’t want to do anything. I felt guilty for doing nothing but at the same time I didn’t have the energy physically, mentally and emotionally. The longest stage for me was depression and sometimes I wonder if I’m still there. Most of the time I was going back and forth the stages of grief. When I reached the point of acceptance, I became fully aware of my new responsibilities. I had to be a parent for myself and my little sister. Even though I still have my dad, he can’t be there all the time because he is busy working. I must carry myself like an adult because I can no longer depend on a mother being there for me. I have family and friends who are there for me and are helping grow as a person. I have gained more skill as an independent person and I aspire to continue to work hard. I am doing my best to go forward with a positive outlook and strength. Now I define myself not only as a daughter, sister and a friend, but also as a mother figure and an adult looking forward to starting my future.