“My mother has diabetes and high blood pressure. Since I can remember I have been responsible for doing the dishes, cooking and cleaning the house. My dad was away a lot for work so I was the one taking care of my mother and brother. I had to grow up really fast. It was hard but I would always hide my tears because I didn’t want my mum to feel guilty.
I am a law student and I hope to become a judge one day. It is strange because on the one hand, I know I had a tough childhood but on the other hand, it is because of my experiences as a child that I have l have this strong determination to become someone.”
(Tunis, Tunisia)

More stories?

By buying this book you are directly contributing to the continuation of Humans of Amsterdam.

See more

“My dad has been selling cigarettes all his life. When he passed away I took over his business. I used to work in the market but because the few tourists we have left, the store went out of business. Many of us feel the stress of the failing economy and everyone here...

“When I met my ex-boyfriend, I believed that despite of the fact that he was religious and I wasn’t, our love was strong enough to keep the relationship going. I thought that if we make some compromises here and there we would manage. Unfortunately it became too much...

“I study psychology. During the first days of my studies, they gave us an assignment where all the students had to talk to a complete stranger about their struggles. I remember walking around all day trying to find the courage to do so but I couldn’t. I wasn’t ready....