Adrita’s story: Not everyone is as welcoming as you

Not everyone is as welcoming as you are. 

When I first arrived in Australia, I got on a train wearing my hijab. The woman next to me moved to a seat on the other side of the aisle. She asked me where I was from and how I got into the country. She told me all Muslims, including me, are terrorists. She said, “This country is not for you. You should go back to your country.”

I tried to stay calm on the outside, while I was shaking on the inside. I told her I am not a terrorist and that if she ever visits my home country she would be welcomed there.

Leaving my home, family, friends, and arriving in Australia alone was hard. Moments like this time on the train make it even harder. That is why a welcome, and why the Asylum Seekers Centre are so important.

Welcome starts here

The nice people and the environment at the Asylum Seekers Centre have given me an inner power. They stand with me and give me strength. They motivate me and help me believe in my own power to make a life I am proud of. I am so grateful for this place and its people.

I am also grateful for you. Your support helps make it all possible for people like me.

Here I am treated with dignity, respect, and kindness. I am given opportunities everyone should have, no matter their faith, where they came from, or what they look like. After all, we are all human.

Once a week, I lead the Lunch and Learn program here, teaching others to cook and gain skills to help find a job in food and service. At the same time, I get to make a delicious lunch for the community to share in. 

The best part is when I see everyone have a nice smile with nice food, and they appreciate it. They have a happy face and that is my favorite part of my work. Even if one person is happier, it makes my day. 

I am so thankful to all people who choose welcome over hate and fear. The Asylum Seekers Centre, the friends and colleagues I have here, and the chance to give back to the community – it all exists because of you. Thank you.

With gratitude, 

Adrita*

*I need to protect my privacy so I do not use my real name

Stand with Adrita and give a gift to the Asylum Seekers Centre today to help someone else feel welcome, supported, and find their own inner strength.

Today only, on Asylum Seekers Centre’s Giving Day, all donations will be doubled and you will receive free* gifts.