On October 4th, many UGRAD students found themselves celebrating the important holiday of Eid al-Adha away from their families – some for the first time in their lives. Being far from home did not stop them from bringing the festivities to their host communities. Students sought out Muslim communities in their new towns to celebrate the holiday. Other students celebrated on campus with their American peers and fellow international students.
Amira, a NESA UGRAD student in Michigan, shares about her experience:
“Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) was last weekend. I thought since I was here in the U.S. I wouldn’t celebrate it. But it was then that I realized I knew some Omani friends in Dearborn, Michigan. In the morning of Eid, me and my two UGRAD friends went to Dearborn and met a group of Omanis at a park who were student members of the Omani Association at the University of Michigan. We had an amazing time celebrating Eid. The best thing was to have a barbeque on the first day of Eid and to eat Eid sweets as well. I really enjoyed my time and for a second, I felt I was home.”