Due to the war and violence that overtook the country of Iran, Marjane’s parents decided to send her to Austria (147). They decided to send Marjane to Austria because they loved her dearly and wanted her to be safe. Furthermore, since they understood the importance of an education, they wanted Marjane to be in a place where she can gain a high quality one that will broaden her mind (147). Marjane handled the situation very maturely. Although she was upset (149), she did not show it for she wanted her parents to be happy. Seeing how strong Marjane is, I think she will be able to pull through the situation. Leaving one’s country behind to move to a completely foreign country is never a piece of cake. The challenge only intensifies when one has to do so without a support system—in Marjane's case, it was her parents. However, I do not think that Marjane’s journey will be smooth; on the other hand, it will be anything but smooth. I believe that she will face several obstacles and dilemmas. She may even feel embarrass of her country and start to lose her culture, which is not an abnormal thing because some individuals tend to lose themselves when put into a new situation. Nonetheless, I think Marjane will be able to pull through it because she is a strong, educated person who is from a family with high morals. In addition, I also think that she will end up leaving Austria for Iran.
When I was 11, I moved to United Stated. However, unlike Marjane, I was fortunate to have my family with me who made my transition to a new country smoother. They were there for me whenever I needed them . If it was not for my family, I would not be where I am today. As I look back in retrospect, I cannot help but wonder: “What would I have done if my family had not moved with me?” Even though I think of myself as a strong person, I do not think I would have been able to leave my family and loved ones behind—especially if I had to move to US all by myself. In that sense, I think Marjane is way stronger than I am because she was able accept her parent’s decision. If my mother had told me that I have to move, I would have been sick to my stomach. If I was in Marjane’s position, I would have refused. I would rather stay with my family, even in a time of crisis, than move to a foreign country. I have moved a lot in my life—city to city, country to country—but I always had my family with me. I may be able to move cities, but I will never be able to move to a whole to new country. What Marjane did was brave; however, I do not think that I have the same guts as her.
Wow! You have done this very quickly Kanza. I haven't even sit to write my response of this week yet. Any way, I pretty much agree what you have written about Marjane and her travel to Austria. She was very upset when she heard the news of going to travel to Austria all her by own from her parents. What is more surprising is that she was only fourteen years old when her parents decided to send her to a country that she has never seen before and knew nothing about its way of life, and culture. She doubted why parents took such a isolating decision and why can't they go with her even though they told her they can't go because of business reasons. But in spite of her initial fears, she later convinced herself to be strong enough in dealing with traveling alone. I think that was because Marjane understood subconsciously that her parents knew better what is best for her and her future, and thus, she accepted their decision wholeheartedly.
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