APAH extends an enormous congratulations to the class of 2022!  Read a conversation with Ahmad Latifi, APAH resident and recent graduate:

 

APAH: How long have you lived at Gilliam Place and in Arlington?

Ahmad: I’ve lived at Gilliam Place for about two years. My family and I moved to Arlington in September 2019. Prior to that, we lived in Alexandria. But, I was born in Kabul, Afghanistan and came to the U.S. when I was 12 years old.

APAH: What do you like about living at Gilliam Place?

Ahmad: The biggest two things for me are the people and the environment. Our neighbors are amazing – people are always there for each other. I also like that Gilliam Place was brand new in 2019 when my family moved in.

APAH: Have you been involved with any APAH programming in the past?

Ahmad: I have been involved with a handful of APAH programs and appreciate how we receive a bike share code from APAH for transportation.

What makes me the happiest is how many opportunities there are for my younger siblings – all of them are very involved. I have two little sisters, ages 15 and 12, and one younger brother, age 10. Every time there is a program in the building, my younger siblings are the first in line.

APAH: What high school did you attend?

Ahmad: Wakefield High School Class of 2022!

APAH: What does graduation mean to you?

Ahmad: Graduation feels awesome – I’m finally out of high school! Now I can hear what life has to say.

To me, graduation means that you’ve completed one chapter and are now going to the next chapter. I am leading the way for my siblings. And, I’m very proud to say I’m the first person in the family to graduate from high school.

APAH: What’s next? What are your post high school plans?

Ahmad: I have big plans for the future. To start, I am going to NOVA for two years to save up some money. But, I currently play soccer for a semi-professional team and want to make my dream of becoming a professional soccer player a reality. If that doesn’t work out, I want to run my own business because I have a strong interest in sales and marketing.

APAH: Is there anything else you want to share?

Ahmad: I have always worried about my future and what I am going to do or not do so I have a message for kids who are my age – 18 or 19 years old. Take it easy and calm down. Everything will come into place. Keep going on with your life and things will fall into place. Take each day as it comes, even if things go wrong one day, the sun will rise tomorrow.

For people who are interested in moving – consider Arlington. I like the opportunities in the community and at APAH.

Finally, I would like to thank APAH for letting me share my thoughts and story.