When Larsa arrives in New Zealand from Iraq she finds it difficult to settle in. It's only when she makes the choice to be happy that things come right.
Read by Michele Amas
Shamiran K Jabrail – Finding Happiness
Shamiran was born in the city of Nineveh in Northern Iraq. She studied in Kirkuk and graduated as a teacher. After she married she moved to Baghdad. She raised four children, two boys and two girls, and worked as a teacher for 30 years. In 1996 Shamiran moved to New Zealand with her husband, both sons and one daughter. Her other daughter lives in Holland. Education is very important to Shamiran. She has always encouraged her children and grandchildren to study hard and is very proud of their achievements. Her children all graduated from university in Iraq and her grandchildren are all studying or have graduated. Some have gone on to do Masters degrees. Three of Shamiran's grandchildren graduated from New Zealand universities; a teaching and architecture at Victoria University and aircraft engineering in Christchurch. Shamiran loves traveling, both abroad and around New Zealand. Travel highlights include Holland, Canada, Australia and the South Island. Shamiran loves music, craftwork, and spending time with her family. She has eight grandchildren – three boys and five girls. Shamiran enjoys writing.
This is the first time Shamiran has written for the public.
