that , NBC Nightly News interviewed them and ran asegment on national television . Friends sent them links from Instagram and Facebook showing how their story had spread .“ Icouldn ’ t dream of it ,” says Hajbi . Knowing the obstacles they overcame , that ’ snot surprising .
ESCAPING WAR
The mother and daughter feel grateful for the chances they ’ ve been given — chances they know many of their fellow Syrians have not been afforded in the turmoil of abrutal war .
The family had lived in Damascus , the Syrian capital , where Hajbi ’ s husband worked in the Customs Department and his wife stayed home to care for their daughter and three younger sons . When war broke out in 2011 , they could hear the bombings in the distance and feared for their safety . “ It was scary ,” says Hajbi , 52 . “ When Isend my kids to school , all the time , Isaid ‘ Oh , my God .’ You never know what might happen .”
In 2014 , the family went to Lebanon and secured tourist visas to travel to the United States , where Hajbi had family in North Jersey . Her husband , Bassam Ahmad , stayed behind in Syria to take care ofhis ailing father . They rented an apartment inWayne , living off savings in their first year , and filed for asylum . With their application pending , Ahmad studied at Passaic County Community College , and in 2020 , she enrolled at William Paterson University .
Ahmad worked at aQuickChek store near the Wayne campus from 6a . m . to 3p . m . and then headed to her classes . During breaks , she would duck into the David & Lorraine Cheng Library to study . Her earnings went to support her family and pay tuition . “ This country changed me alot ,” she says .“ It pushed me to be independent . Igot to be hardworking , tobea supporter , to be aproducer .”
Hajbi also worked at aQuickChek branch and as asubstitute teacher in Paterson . With atwo-year accounting degree in Syria , she enjoyed teaching math . But she wanted todomore to achieve financial security , soshe also enrolled at William Paterson . “ Believe it or not , if someone told me 10 or 15 years ago this was going to happen , I
OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH EDUCATION Stani Hajbi says that while working and studying to graduate from WPU , her daughter , Racha Ahmad , had no time left over to go out . “ Work hard and smart ,” says Ahmad . “ It will pay off .”
never would believe it — togotoa new country , start anew life , apply to college and graduate with my daughter ,” she says .
DREAMING OF THE FUTURE
When the family went to Lebanon , they were part of amassive wave of Syrians seeking refuge outside their country . More than 14 million Syrians have fled their homes since 2011 , including 6.8 million who were internally displaced , according to the U . N . refugee agency .
Despite anti-refugee rhetoric aired by some elected officials and organizations in the U . S ., the family says they were welcomed warmly inNew Jersey . Relatives and neighbors showed them around the area and helped with errands , like driving Hajbi ’ ssons , now ages 12 , 17 and 20 , to school . University officials aided them with enrollment , financial aid and scholarships . When she finished classes , aregular customer at QuickChek hired Hajbi for an accounting job at her printing company . Ahmad , an English and political science major , says she “ enjoyed every moment ” of campus life , including studying and going to class . Yet , because of her demanding work schedule , she didn ’ t have time for campus clubs and activities .
But she was still noticed . Faculty and administrators at the College of Arts , Humanities , and Social Sciences — one of five academic colleges at William Paterson — nominated her to be the class speaker . Ahmad says she was asked to make a3-minute video , and 48 hours after she submitted it , she was told she ’ d been chosen .
Wartyna Davis , the college dean , says Ahmad embodies the character of a William Paterson graduate and has an inspiring story and global perspective . “ Racha ’ sdedication as astudent and , perhaps most ofall , her overall spirit have not gone unnoticed on campus ,” Davis says .“ She is happy to be at William Paterson University , tobe learning , todothe work ; she isgrateful for our campus community and especially for the teachings and support of our wonderful faculty in apalpable way . We are equally grateful to have a student like her representing us all .”
Ahmad will enter amaster ’ sprogram in public policy atWilliam Paterson . Her dream is to work in the U . S . State Department conducting foreign affairs , she says .
Her mother isproud of her daughter ’ sdedication to school and family , and is looking forward tothe next stage of their lives .“ Iamsohappy and so thankful ,” Hajbi says .“ Really , America is adream , and it ’ sareally great country to live in and start anew life .” ■
@ waynemagazine WAYNE MAGAZINE BACK TOSCHOOL 2023
13