If Allah wills my future actions, I will do. Inshallah!
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — In 1993, many would say after an economic collapse, millions of displaced Ethiopian people settled south-east, 8891 miles away [14,309 kilometers] in Auckland, New Zealand. Being the o the Amhara and Oromo ethnicity, legend has it 966 Ethiopian refugees arrived in Wellington during this time. If if you can imagine the South Pacific Ocean at 41°S 174°E, near the center of the water hemisphere. A modernized landscape, terrain approach equivalent to a mixture of Catalina island off the coast of California, Santorini, Greece, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, or Portugal, Spain. I guess, in my opinion, Ethiopians stumble on a gem even if there's frequent turbulence of earthquakes, but the subtropical and south temperate makes life on the island worth living.
As you marinate on the lower horizon of Wellington's south pacific section, I would like to enlighten you on what has become in recent years. Just south starting, with a ferry ride 912 km (552 miles) away, the wealthy have found residency in the area of Queenstown. Some may say that during the global infestation of the Coronavirus; the likes of such Silicon Valley American billionaires; Peter Thiel (PayPal, venture capitalist), Larry Page (Google Founder), and Reid Hoffman (LinkedIn Founder), believed an apocalypse was brewing and Queenstown, New Zealand was the perfect refugee camp for the rich.
Although this doesn't necessarily resonate with the Ethiopian experience 30 years ago, can it add purpose or provide optimism? Anything is possible; I was once told you don't have to be a fish to smell like one; stand around it long enough you will smell just like it. It's not just about what's in the water; the energy is now in the airwaves nearby. Listen, only an hour away stands the image of perseverance, a woman that defines responsibility and independence. She is open to discovering; challenges are rooted beneath her feet, except for her parents' departure, who decided to revert to Ethiopia. A Jewel of a Kiwi, only child, fondest for the unknown, determine and focus on keeping culture to heart but assertive in redefining a new direction. Frequently we would exchange words; I've become intrigued by the profound substance she would often post. I would ask if she could share quotes, thinking this would offer a sense of character as I gel pieces of her for better understanding.
Why do you worry? For "If something is destined for you, never in a million years will it be for somebody else." It is written.
For me, this exact quote was the light that defines the importance of Nesebrak Worldwide and the mission statement we want all women to adopt. Live one day at a time. Don't sweat the small stuff. What is desired is yours regardless; as long as consistency is implemented, you can't lose. Apply the needful that is required to reach the goal. Understanding the levels of this modern game, each one can teach one and win.
Jiwaher Awel (referred to as Jewel) was born in Sudan and raised in the Middle East, living in Ethiopia for a few years. In New Zealand, the final year of education, a former nurse and now a social worker for a nonprofit organization training towards achieving her bachelor's and a special license. In addition to nursing and social work, she works as bilingual support for the study centers, running school holiday programs and organizing food parcels for needy families. Also, she is a small business owner, self-taught painter, and henna artist utilizing her skills to empower and uplift women.
Jewel says my first and most significant influence is my mother. I grew up watching my mother do charitable community work throughout my childhood. She taught me from a young age to be a giver and never forget about those less fortunate people than me. To be a leader is not to be above everybody or be ahead of everyone else. As a woman, I believe a successful leader is a humble person who listens and helps people recognize their strengths and allow them to shine. I’ve always had a passion for helping others and working closely with them, hence why I chose nursing then transitioned to social work. I have learned that patience is vital when dealing with people and specific situations. Sometimes you can’t rush things, so you’re challenged to be patient and let things flow naturally.
I can relate to Jewel because my mother is still dedicated to her community and the effort of helping others in need. My curiosity rattles, what is the end goal for her and what does she get out of it for herself but before I share what I come to learn. I want to emphasize that she transitioned from nursing to social work. What does this mean? I can understand the drive, but the commitment should be praised. Although nursing is caring for what comes through those doors with little to no insight into a person's health until some level of examination has been conducted. On the other hand, social working is personable, a different form of parenting, probing into a dark room, a study of one mental emotion, or, in some cases, physical history. One has to have the ability to correspond a wellness solution. Social working can include children ranging from 11-to 18 to helping serve adults in need at private, charitable, and government organizations. No matter the case, a maternal spirit is required; trust must be established at ground zero and maintained until any case is closed. Should I add cases that can be short as days to weeks or extended months to years? It's just one of those things you can't gauge in the beginning.
Here's what I've learned, and I stand corrected; Jewel shared with me that her most significant achievements are deciding to change her career from working in the healthcare sector to social work because it was very challenging to work as a nurse and study at the same time especially during the pandemic as her job as a nurse was very demanding. Hearing this was my ah-ha moment; you see, the keyword is "challenging" nurses' day today isn't just to care for people with typical in-patient experiences; food poising, swollen glands, broken limbs, respiratory issues, etc. Nurses also attend to mentally unstable patients; battling depression, homelessness, drug/prescription addicts, suicidal, gang-affiliation, and sexually abused. Putting this into perspective, had many of these patients received the proper social assistance early on in their lives, this could reduce the number of people coming into the hospital due to these social issues. Could it be that Jewel witnessed a significant number of patients fitting this description as a nurse whose practice limited her to HELP beyond what her job requirements state? Yes, this can be highly challenging for someone built to go the extra yard to save lives.
"Live your life with this principle: be good even if you don't receive good, not because for others' sake but because Allah loves those who do."
Another good quote and sentiment of Jewel, she has accepted that life is an adventure, and you have to have life goals. Pushing the pedal to the metal for people starts conquering new endeavors even if fear walls the direction. I had to learn more about her core; I wanted to know that Jewel truly has an adventurous side, even as an only child. Jewel elaborates, I come from overprotective parents and a culture that expects women to act or carry themselves a certain way as well as a religion that is believed to limit women; she clarifies, Islam doesn’t restrict or suppress women; it’s the “man-made” religion rules that limit women. Me coming from an overprotective Muslim, Ethiopian family, you can imagine the amount of “Nos” and “that’s too dangerous” I got from my parents growing up; I felt like I was always shielded from the world, having said that surprisingly they let me do activities like riding horses and camels ( I grew up in the Middle East) so I already grew up doing different activities a typical child in the west doesn’t get to do. It’s not that they didn’t want me to explore; I was their firstborn, and they had a fear that something terrible would happen to me. I always had an adventurous side of me I never let out.
Two years ago, on my birthday, it suddenly hit me. I have been so career-minded and focused on working hard and studying that I never let my adventurous side out. It made me think that I might’ve been brought up a certain way, but I’m an adult now and owe it to myself to do what makes me happy. Who wants to get to the age of 80 and have regrets because of childhood environmental fears instilled in us? No one!
So, I decided to do something different every year for my birthday, even if it’s not big, but I sure started big; I did the sky jump from the Auckland tower, which is 192 meters at 80 km that lasted only 11 seconds, I wanted it to last longer! If I didn’t have to pay again, I would’ve done it again in a heartbeat.
Besides being a daredevil, Jewel loves all forms of art. She says my passion for the arts started from childhood; I don’t know if I can be called an artist just yet but doing henna and painting is something I enjoy while listening to music ("Almost Doesn't Count" by Brandy). I draw, sketch, and experiment with paints with different mediums, mixing them to create something interesting.
Jewel feels that art gives her joy, and she has done a business out of it for that very reason. She shares creating allows me to escape and practice mindfulness. I never took classes, so I've taught myself everything I know thus far. I am currently focusing on painting with acrylic colors, so whenever I draw or paint, I make it a point to push myself to do something different from the last while developing a new technique.
"Be kind, for whatever kindness becomes part of something, it beautifies it." -Prophet Muhammed.
I would randomly ask Ms. Jiwaher Awel to "drop me a Jewel" ( a term used to describe one offering words of wisdom delivered unexpectedly helpful and well-timed), and this quote stands out to me. It clarifies her purpose and more, importantly, her commitment to empowering uplift young girls & women through her leadership as a Social Worker.
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