In high school I got to travel out of London for the first time and discover other somali communities. I traveled to the USA to meet my mum and become part of her community, which comprised of some of the most hardworking and welcoming people I’ve ever met.
Authentic Somali food is healthy and nutrient rich. This is what I learnt from my mum watching her run her restaurant which is a Somali cuisine. She helps to provide the community with healthier food options.
Growing up immersed in Somali traditions, I’ve found my sense of self and belonging within its embrace, grounding me in who I am and where I come from. However when I was in Kenya and I got to be really involved in the Somali community. I found incredible people in my school and at Somali professional events. These events connected likeminded and driven individuals looking to develop their careers or business. Interacting and volunteering at these events made me feel insipired. As I look back on my time in Kenya, I’m filled with gratitude for the incredible journey.
Through seeing other Somali communities in other countries. I’ve come to release that in the heart of our Somali communities, resilience runs deep. We’ve got this fire inside us that pushes us to make the world better for ourselves and everyone else. And you know what? Despite what some say about us forgetting where we come from, I’ve seen it firsthand, we always keep our roots close.
One of my favorite advice from the elders in our community is “When things feel unbearable remember to let the love of those that care about you, carry you through.” And I love this advice because it’s love that binds us as people and as a community. It’s love that helps us out of the dark.
It’s Ayans blog 