In the heart of Missoula, Montana, Malak's story unfolds as a testament to resilience, hope, and the power of family. Her journey from Iraq to the United States wasn't easy, but Malak has embraced every moment with a joyful spirit that lights up the lives of those around her.

At just 13 years old, Malak and her family set off on a long-awaited journey to the U.S. "We waited seven years to come to America," she recalls. Initially scheduled to arrive in 2015, their plans were delayed due to US policy changes, and it wasn't until April 2019 that they finally set foot in Missoula. "We did not know where we were going. We just went with the flow," she explains. When her family faced significant challenges brought on by the pandemic, they tried life in Dallas, TX for a while, but the welcoming community in Missoula drew them back. "Soft Landing has changed my life," she says, thinking of all the relationships she has built there.

Family means everything to Malak. She shares a special bond with her mom, whom she calls her best friend. "I share everything with her," Malak says with a smile. This connection has been a source of strength, especially when she misses her extended family back in Iraq. She often thinks about her aunt, who she describes as a second mother. "We've been trying to get her to come here, but it's really hard," Malak says. She misses the family gatherings filled with laughter and love, especially during holidays like Eid when everyone would come together. "Watching the videos of them celebrating just breaks my heart," she shares. She worries about her grandfather's health. "He's really old, and I'm afraid of saying goodbye," she admits, her voice tinged with sadness. Yet, through it all, she holds onto hope, saying, "God always has a better plan for us. I'm not just gonna give up. We will wait and see what God has for us."

Malak's faith is deeply intertwined with her family life and the things she misses about Iraq, such as the celebrations, cooking together, and being part of something larger than herself. These aspects of her culture provide comfort and a sense of belonging, even when she feels isolated. Her little sister has become a source of joy and companionship. "I'm glad that I have a little sister that I can just be with and play with," Malak says. "My mom really just got pregnant because of me. I just wanted a little sister. Give me a sister," she laughs, reflecting on the unique bond they share.

Malak's journey in Missoula has been an exciting adventure of discovering her new home and connecting with others. As a young Muslim girl, at first she found it a bit tough to fit in, but instead of letting that hold her back, Malak decided to dive right into her community and make the most of her experiences. One of her favorite experiences was participating in a student panel with her school district. "I left feeling so encouraged, like there will definitely be a change, which is amazing!" she recalls. Malak loves sharing her culture and challenging stereotypes, especially those about Muslims.

She's been involved in various local programs, like the Soft Landing Missoula's Girls Leadership Council, where she's made great friends and had a blast. "We did so many fun things!" she laughs, remembering all the activities. Thanks to this support, she discovered opportunities like the Missoula Public Library's Inclusive Internship Initiative, becoming a youth intern at Forward Montana, and even working at Big Dipper. "I'm really grateful for everybody that has helped me along the way," Malak says.

When it comes to what "home" means to her, Malak reflects on the warmth of being around people from Iraq. "Home to me is just seeing people from my country; it just makes me feel really good," she says. While Missoula has become a second home, the absence of a large Iraqi community can sometimes be tough. Thankfully, her parents play a big role in keeping their cultural heritage alive. "My mom makes Iraqi food every day, and they speak to us in Arabic," she says, adding that they hope to visit Iraq soon. While she would love to visit, she doesn't see herself living there again.

Malak treasures her memories of family gatherings in Iraq, but she also appreciates the independence and opportunities she has in the U.S. "I have so many opportunities here that I probably wouldn't get in Iraq, so I might as well take advantage of them," she explains. Her mom is a bit hesitant about her moving out, especially with her brother currently in Arizona for mechanic work, but she knows they came to America to pursue their dreams.

Now, at 18, Malak feels empowered to take the next steps in her life. "I'm going to get my apartment and make a change," she says with determination. While many in her culture stay close to family, she's ready to embrace her independence. "I'm not in the Middle East anymore, and I can do it." Her dreams include becoming an OBGYN and passing the U.S. citizenship exam. During her gap year before starting medical school in the fall of 2025, she's excited to stay involved in her community while honoring her roots. Malak even graduated early, showcasing her dedication. The loneliness she felt at school after her brother graduated was a significant motivator. "I can't go another year without him," she admits. Despite these challenges, she persevered, often staying up until 3 a.m. to complete her coursework. "It was really hard and stressful, but I just had to do it," she says, reflecting on her determination to seize the educational opportunities available to her in the U.S. from the moment she landed.

Malak's story is a warm reminder of the strength found in family and community. She believes in embracing life's challenges and viewing them as opportunities for growth. With her faith and determination, she's ready to build a future that honors her past while stepping boldly into her dreams. As she looks ahead, Malak remains committed to sharing her story and the stories of others like her, ensuring that their voices are heard and celebrated.