Why me?

Being a refugee has always made me feel like I’m cursed of some sort. May sound too extreme to many but that’s the reality of all refugees. Somehow, somewhere, somewhat, my fellow refugees sisters and brothers can relate to this. The hardest part of it is.. ACCEPTING the fact that Im one. I’m a REFUGEE. You and me.. we are the same. Yet what set us apart is a piece of paper (identity).

Growing up as a kid.. I was traumatised by all the bullies, being pushed around, neglected because of my identity. I started questioning and hating myself a lot..

Why me?

Why am I not like the rest?

Can I ever be able to do what they do?

As I grew older and wiser.. I realised few more things - our rights are limited as well like freedom and other things - education, job opportunities, healthcare, which translates to limited dreams and goals.

That trauma as a kid, made me scared to face reality aka facing ‘normal’ people especially During the time when I was studying in tuition centers, college, university and even my workplace because I was in a constant fear of being judged or being looked down upon. On top of that, job opportunities were dependent on my identification.

So, I started “hiding” my identity. Very few to no one actually knew exactly where I was from or about my background. Many assumed that I am a Malaysian (which I believe I am) and I kept it that way.

When life gives you lemon, you better god damn make sure you make a hell of a lemonade.

The fact that Im a refugee was like the fuel to the fire that drove me to become who I am today. I am still far from achieving all of my goals yet but I know that I am way closer than I ever was before. I am a refugee and I am proud of where I stand today because of who I am #RefugeeAndProud

I am The Refugee Prince and this is my story..

Photo taken by Amanda