My grandfather passed away in Syria, 6,710 miles away. When I heard the news, I spent the next couple of days trying to recall just one clear memory I had with him. I gradually came to the conclusion that I barely knew the man. I had only visited him once in Syria when I was younger. That was before--before the Syrian Revolution began. However, I did remember something my grandfather always said. “Lead by example.” My grandfather was a leader. He led by example, inspiring me to face challenges with confidence. His death was a difficult challenge. My family and I had been deprived of being with him before he passed. For some time, after he passed I was confused and in despair. I knew that there was a war in Syria, but it had always seemed so far away. I could not really understand why there was a war. My lack of knowledge about my cultural homeland and my parent’s birthplace led me down a rabbit hole of shame and guilt. “How am I so disconnected from my heritage?” I asked myself. This is the question that ignited my curiosity. “I must lead by example just like my grandfather,” I told myself. I yearned for clarity, contribution, and commemoration. For clarity, I spent countless hours researching and educating myself on the history of Syria and the Syrian civil war. I dove deep into academic journals and documentaries. I consulted with Syrian refugees in my community to learn about their experiences. They told me stories of loss and hope. Stories that mirrored my own parents' immigration experience. For contribution, I was determined to use my skills and talents to create awareness and social justice for my fellow Syrian brothers and sisters. Alongside my Young Muslims of Greenville club, I organized and led peaceful protests, community fundraisers, and food and clothes drives. For commemoration, I wanted to honor my grandfather’s memory. He was a person who constantly donated to charity even when he was struggling financially. Modeling his compassion for others, I decided to team up with Pious Projects, a non-profit charitable organization, to build a water well in my grandfather’s name. The water well not only celebrates my grandfather’s benevolence, but it also provides the people of Mali, Africa with fresh water. Even though I did not know my grandfather very well, he taught me that we can impact people we barely know. He always said that we must “lead by example.” My grandfather’s wise words gave me the courage to rise when I was faced with a difficult challenge. When I felt detached from my grandfather and his legacy, I sought out to change that feeling. I pushed myself outside of my comfort zone and began a lifelong commitment to fighting for social change and justice. I wish to pursue this passion by studying to be an immigration lawyer. It is my dream to someday use my own skills, opportunities, and education to reunite grandfathers with their granddaughters.