I did it, guys. My hair finally met the wind. I did it, yes.

I am the 11 years old little girl who covered her hair with a headscarf with a blue hair clip, without knowing what it means. When I first wrote here, I said that I would take off my headscarf when I go to university and live in a whole different city, but I couldn’t wait. I am very happy that I couldn’t. Yes, and the costs were high. It was never easy, and you also shouldn’t expect it to be easy. Freedom requires exertion and comes with a lot of costs. 

Now, it has been two weeks. I am still paying for it, but it worths it, you should believe me. My dad doesn’t talk to me in any way. My mom acts like I’m her enemy. “Whore” she yelled at my face. Before that, she never laid a hand on me, but she beat me. Those around me behave as if I became a completely different person, but it really does worth it. I didn’t wait until I leave this city because I wanted my family to see it. I wanted them to see that I am still the same person, and taking off my headscarf didn’t change me. You should remember that it is your life, whether they don’t get used to it or don’t accept it. As long as you cannot stand the image and personality they have given you, the life you live becomes unbearable. That’s why it does worth it, no matter what. 

Maybe if I expected to go to university everything would be easier but, you know what I wanted the most? I wanted to be stronger. I’ve always been a person who cares what people think about me and even their tiny words. And now I want to be stronger. I want to learn to laugh at them. While my hair is dancing with the wind, I want to remind myself that this life belongs only to me. Day after day, I learn how to be stronger. I am proud of myself. This is such a nice feeling. The first moment I went outside… We went to a park with my sister and approached the swing that I was afraid to ride because of my headscarf, and I swung with laughter and flipped my hair. It was worth it, even for just that moment. I did it, and you can do it. It will be challenging, but I can assure you that it will worth it. You don’t have to wait to go to another city. Life is too short. However, if this isn’t really possible right now, do it as soon as you can. Please do it. Please don’t let others decide on your life. No matter what, feel the rain, the sun, and the wind. Enjoy living your life as you wish. Remember, freedom comes with a price. Stay healthy!

Translator: Ö.K.

(Image: Isabella Conti)