During my work at ACCESS (Arab Community Center for Economic Social Services) I received an award for “Strengthening Families” from the Child Care Coordinating Council in 1986. I also received a plaque towards academic excellence and development of human relations.
In September of 1986, Ann Arbor public schools asked me to work for them. Although I felt sad to leave to the community I had worked with for seven years, I felt relieved that I would not have to make that two hour daily commute anymore.
I wasn’t completely happy with my new job because I was not dealing with families and children. Instead I was evaluating children for special education. My aim as a social worker was for prevention and intervention to prevent problems as soon as possible alongside helping students with learning difficulties.
I remember thinking that if you do not find a program that fits your needs, implement your own. In 1990 and after working for four years in the Ann Arbor school system, I implemented my own program titled “Proud Parent Network” on local television. With the support from of the school media, I brought together experts to discuss students and family issues. With over 60 episodes recorded, my shows continue to be shown till this day.
I retired in 1998 at age 67. Because my husband became ill, I found it was important to spend time with him. After his death almost 54 years of marriage, I felt the need to follow in his footsteps. I became involved in many interfaith and peace groups and with whatever the community television network gave me time on their station for. I concentrated mostly on the suffering of the Palestinians because of the Israeli occupation. One of my TV programs “A Reflection from Palestine” won first place in the political category from Philo T. Farnsworth Video Festival in 2005.
Without raising my voice and without Washtenaw Community College opening the doors for me, I would have never been a contributing member of society. College allowed me to get a job I adore with pension and social security, which helped me to live a decent and productive life. An Arab proverb says, “Early education is like a carving in stone. Education in adulthood is like enjoying ripe fruit”
