Daily Inspiration: Meet Aicha Soumaoro

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aicha Soumaoro.

Hi Aicha, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My parents are both African. In 2003, My mom and I flew to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was tough growing up in a new environment, not having my friends and family here, and adapting to the United States. It was hard adapting to the different foods and culture. Going to school, learning a new language, and learning different ways of studying then I had done previously in my prior country. I had to deal with other kids my age looking at me differently. Also, dealing with questions about where I have come from. Growing up with kids bullying me was difficult because I was different. I tried fitting in to the American culture but it made things worse. For example, my other classmates felt as if I could not fit in because they thought that I was better than them.

Therefore, I had to isolate myself from the bad energy and the negative people. I isolated myself by working and paying attention in class. Also, I started getting in different activities like YAB (Youth Advisory Board) and Modeling. The Youth Advisory Board is an organization where youth and young adults comes together and make a change in the foster care system.YAB has motivated me to make a change in this generation and motivate youth and young adults to take the right path into the future. I got involved in the YAB because when I was in the foster care system I did not have the best experience.

Now, that I have the opportunity to change the experience for other youth that were or are in foster care and had the same experience as myself. Everyone does not live happily ever after while they are in foster care. I want to help other youths and young adults achieve their dreams and goals. The YAB has changed everything, for example, I have the chance to advocate for myself and other youth. They have given me the resources to complete high school and pursue college.

During my time in the Department of Human Services I also found interest in modeling. Modeling has helped me find my confidence that I needed living in America. Modeling also helped me in deciding in which major I want to choose because of the confidence that I now have. In college I would like to major in Mechanical Engineering. I always dreamt of combining two different industries together and making them my career. I believe that modeling and engineering will help me fulfill my dreams in making both of these professions my career.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My journey wasn’t a smooth road, I had some bumpy rides along the way. Coming from a strict household thru bullying in schools, thur traveling the world and trying to figure out who I am in the modeling world. It was a tough journey but I made it through

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a certified nursing assistant (cna) and a former auto technician. I have a associate degree in automotive technology. Auto tech was passion, til I felt disrespected and not appreciate it. Now I have found a new passion that has helped me have a better understanding of life. Taking care of the elderly has changed my life, I’ve become more patience and a protector.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Most people don’t know that I have an old soul, I love to crochet and cook. Most people see me as a supportive and determine, a person that knows what she wants and a planner. But I have a old side and fun side also. I’m not always strict.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/itz_soumaoro

Image Credits
Ig: @the_klark_ Ig: @mrjamaalwesley Ig: @st.cloud_studios