Moving to a new city can be scary, but moving across the world to a different continent is terrifying. My family and I moved to America in 2005 to try to have a better life. I’m originally from Kosovo, Europe, a place that has been through many tragedies over the years.

In 1999, Kosovo went to war with Serbia and Serbia forced all the residents to move out of their homes , the Serbs also shot most of the Kosovars. My parents had to travel by foot through four cities with five little girls with them.

Along the way people were killed, raped, and beheaded. Even though I was just a year old, I was scarred for life. At one point, there was a gun held to my head, and that’s when my dad decided he needed to do something. He needed to get my family to safety.

Moving here was the hardest thing he had to do. He left his parents behind , be he knew he had to in order for us to be safe. My parents sacrificed their life for my sisters and I, and that’s something I’ll never be able to repay them for.

Moving to Wisconsin was like coming to a different world. My dad didn’t know English and we didn’t have a home. We came to Wisconsin because my aunt and uncle were here and they wanted to help us get settled. My uncle got my dad a job and he started working. After a year, it felt like everything had changed for us. We had everything we have always wanted and more. My sisters and I were getting an education, and my dad was working. I’m so thankful my dad didn't want that horrible life for us and made sure that, that didn't happen. Now thinking about life in Kosovo gives me the chills. I wouldn't have everything I do now if it wasn't for America. America helps immigrants and make sure they aren't pushed aside. They get a lot of benefits.

Even though I wasn't born in America, I’m proud to live here and to be a part of such an amazing place.