A New Me in a New Country: Jowanna's Journey

At just 10 years old, Jowanna moved from Lebanon to Turkey with her family, marking one of the biggest changes of her life. For her, it was not just a migration—it was an emotionally profound and culturally challenging journey that left deep marks on her heart. Each family gradually settled in Turkey; Her older sister arrived first to study at university, followed by other family members seeking work. Jowanna began her high school education here but faced the daunting challenge of a language barrier and cultural loneliness. When she first came to Turkey, she didn't speak Turkish at all. Understanding school lessons was difficult, and making friends seemed like an impossible dream. Her mother's love for Turkey—having visited before—was a beacon of hope. Yet, things were far from easy. Due to her name and Arab heritage, she sometimes faced racism and prejudice. Despite this heavy burden, her determination never broke.

After her parents' divorce in Lebanon, life became even harder, both financially and emotionally. Coming to Turkey gave her a second chance. The friendships she built here helped ease her longing for her homeland. She now feels truly Turkish—even writes her CV in Turkish. She loves Turkish singers and actors and carries the culture of this country deeply in her heart."I am happy to be here. I never think about going back," she says. The close bonds she formed with her university friends Ayça and Saadet have become a warm home for her. To each, Turkey is more than a country; it is the address of belonging, love, and hope.

Now a senior in the New Media department at Beykent University, Jowanna also works as a social media manager for several businesses. She has a loving family, a supportive partner, and most importantly, strong hopes and dreams for the future. “I love the Bosphorus, the bridge, the sea breeze, and Turkey's lush nature,” she adds. She has no regrets about coming here—on the contrary, she says this is her new home.

Jowanna’s story is a powerful example of the search for identity and belonging, the challenges of migration, and the building of a strong life despite cultural differences. It is a meaningful story of bridging cultures, embracing differences, and creating a new self.This story is not just about migration. It is the story of a little girl who leaves her childhood, her friends, and everything she knows behind and steps into a new world, the difficulties, hopes, and search for identity that Jowanna experiences in her inner world.

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