ADIL BOUTAHLI

INDÉPENDENCE

By 2012, I had become more comfortable with my life in America. After several years of working multiple jobs, I had gained experience, improved my English, and built friendships within my community.

I continued working at the convenience store in Glassboro, New Jersey, where I was given more responsibilities. The owner trusted me to manage many aspects of the business. I handled inventory, customer service, cash deposits, scheduling, food preparation, and daily operations.

The store became like a second home.

At the same time, I continued my education by attending community college courses to improve my reading, writing, and communication skills. Education remained important to me because I believed it would create better opportunities for my future.

I also continued playing sports.

Soccer remained one of my passions, and I joined local leagues where I played goalkeeper once again. Being on the field gave me energy and confidence. Sports had always been part of my identity.

After years of hard work, I was finally able to secure my own apartment through an affordable housing program in Paulsboro, New Jersey.

For the first time in my life in America, I had a place that belonged entirely to me.

It was only a one-bedroom apartment, but it represented independence, stability, and accomplishment.

I returned to Morocco during the summer of 2013 to visit my family and celebrate holidays with them. The trip reminded me of my roots and strengthened my connection to home.

When I returned to the United States, changes had taken place at the convenience store where I worked. The company had been sold to another owner, and my manager had left.

Soon afterward, many employees, including myself, lost their jobs.

Although disappointed, I refused to lose hope.

A friend from the Moroccan community introduced me to another convenience store in Pennsauken, New Jersey. The owner offered me a position almost immediately.

I accepted.

The overnight shift was once again from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.

I worked seven days a week.

I managed inventory, prepared food, cleaned the store, handled the cash register, made bank deposits, counted lottery tickets, organized deliveries, and kept the business operating during the night.

I believed I had finally found stability.

I could never imagine that only a few months later, my entire life would change forever.