Struggling to Ask for Help
As a child, I was told to keep problems at home — being a Palestinian is something that wasn’t to be discussed publicly, most of the time.
While these things made me stronger in some regards, it definitely created a habit that reflected on what I saw growing up and continues to be the reality of who I am today.
I started a company that did that around the world, supporting organizations that support entrepreneurs who are launching or growing businesses, especially in under-served communities.
Today, I advise many to seek help, and see many immediately getting the support they need. It’s probably because I knew they needed help but wouldn’t ask for it. It’s probably because I have learned through my life that if you don’t know how to ask you might not ever ask ever, even when you are in deep trouble.
Even when I was homeless, I didn’t ask for a place to stay. Someone learned about it and said: I see you have luggage with you. Where are you going?
I had to respond: I’m looking for a place to stay.
They asked: Do you have a place in mind? I said: I don’t have money to find a place, so I sleep in my car.
That’s when they suggested I sleep in the guest room of the mosque in which I prayed. It was a guest room — no bathroom to shower, or kitchen to…
