Maksimous, a middle-aged Coptic Egyptian man living in New York, keeps a worn Arabic-English dictionary that has followed him through different stages of his life. Its faded cover and marked pages show years of use, with notes written in the margins from when he was still learning to navigate English.

Before immigrating, Maksimous had built a full life in Egypt, where Arabic was the language of his work, family, and faith. When he came to New York later in life, he faced the challenge of adjusting to a new language and environment. Determined to improve, he enrolled in English classes at BMCC, bringing the dictionary with him every day. It became an essential tool, helping him understand lessons, complete assignments, and find the right words to express himself.

During those early years, the dictionary represented both struggle and progress. He often relied on it in moments of uncertainty, especially when he knew what he wanted to say in Arabic but could not yet say it in English. Over time, his confidence grew, but the dictionary remained meaningful as a symbol of persistence.

Today, the dictionary has a new purpose. Maksimous has placed it in his church, where others can use it as they learn and adjust to life in a new country. In this way, it continues to support others, reflecting not only his personal journey, but a shared experience of adaptation, learning, and community.

– Ounay Tawadrous

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant