Halima Wako

My name is Halima Wako. I am seventeen years old. I am from Oromia, it is part of Ethiopia. I have been in the U.S.A. for almost three years since September 20, 2000. I have five brothers and two sisters. I am the oldest of them. I started my first school year at LEAP Academy for 9th and 10th grades. I transferred to Arlington Sr. High School last year. I will be in 12th grade in this fall. I enjoy going to school.
I speak four languages Oromo, English, Somalia, Amharic. I am working toward high school graduation. My decision after High School is to go to college. I have not decided what field I will I be in, but it will be related to medicine. I have a part-time job, which I work after school five days a week to help my poor family in East Africa. I also volunteer Regions Hospital.

I love to have fun with my friends, family. My favorite subjects are mathematics and science. In my free time I like to watch cartoons and my favorite cartoon is "Garfield." I also cook and clean at my house, and take care of my youngest siblings with my mother. I have many things to do this summer such as going to Maccess, work, and support my mother in the house.

My father always tells me to do my school work on time and encourages me to get good grades. He needs me to be one of his educated girls because he didn't get a chance to finish school. So, he didn't want me to be like him. He is there for me with what I need to accomplish my education. I remember the words that he always says to me "Do not think of helping me now, but graduating from college, then think of it." I am so proud of my father who cares for my education and future life.