Almost all of my family members are Religious. I was born into Islam and I am happy that I did because I truly believe in the Islamic faith. A few months before coming to America, I was told that most people change when they come to America because most people in America are Christians and they can influence your life and your Religion. The environment is different in America then in Africa. Most people neglect their Religion to try to fit in with the American ways. When I came me America I didn’t change much, Religious wise because my Dad gave me a Quran which is similar to a bible in Christianity. I read The Quran every week which helped me stay focus on my Religion. As Muslim reading the Quran is very important because the Quran is a guidance to Muslim and it’s tell us how we should live life. That's why it is so important for us Muslim to read the Quran. I never change when I came to America because I had the Quran, I don’t know what would have happened if my dad didn’t give me that Quran. I wonder if I would be the same person I am today if I didn’t have the Quran to keep me in check. The reason why the Quran is so important to me, especially the Quran given to me from my father is because it helped me focus and stay true to myself, my culture and my beliefs. 

– Oumar Siby

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant