Fozyia
Fozyia emigrated from Ethiopia to the United States about six years ago.
The transition was difficult, but Fozyia also found her self often putting her feelings aside and focusing on making others happy.
“Being raised in Ethiopia is a lot different than here,” Fozyia says. “In Ethiopia, I don’t think there’s girl power they call it here.”
Fozyia said motivational speakers helped her transition to the U.S. When she was working at Target, Fozyia was inspired by a customer who spoke positively about Hollis’ book and encouraged her to read one.
“Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals” by Rachel Hollis was a book Fozyia couldn’t put down.
“I would say I apologize a lot,” Fozyia says. “(Hollis) is motivational. She encourages you to stop apologizing and being authentic. She motivated me to be better and to work harder. I started reading her books, and then I just got obsessed with it.”
Fozyia says she was shy when she first arrived in the U.S. But she’s become more social and outgoing.
“I can say what I want to say, and work, and go after my dream,” she says.
Growing up in Ethiopia, Fozyia didn’t particularly like to read. But she started to enjoy reading when she got to the U.S., and she was influenced by a younger cousin who would spend all of a free day reading a book.
“She loves to read book, and she reads one book a day,” Fozyia says. “So I picked up that habit from her.”
Reading was calming for her cousin, and Fozyia thought books might help calm her down, too. So the two started reading Harry Potter books together and discuss them over a meal or at a cafe.
More about Fozyia
What superpower do you wish you had? Reading minds. It’s just interesting. I feel like you, if you have the ability to read minds, and see what people are thinking and what people are into, then you can relate to them more.
What is one of your actual superpowers (something that makes you special and unique)? I’m a great listener. I have the ability to pay attention to detail. I’ve been told I’m a compassionate person.
If you had a free day to do anything, how would you spend it? I’m a very big family person, so I would go to the beach with my family and have lunch and ice cream, and maybe a movie.
What is your favorite snack? Funyuns. The saltiness is my guilty pleasure.
Why do you love your job? I get to shape kids’ minds about what oral health is, and to teach them how important it is.
Favorite fluoride flavor? Strawberry.
Favorite cartoon or animated movie? Moana. She’s so strong, and her ability to bring people together.