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    Breaking down the language barrier, accomplishing the mission

    Breaking down the language barrier, accomplishing the mission

    Photo By Sgt. Melissa Martens | Lance Cpl. Abisamra (right), a supply clerk with 6th Communications Battalion, Force...... read more read more

    Lance Cpl. Cynthia Abisamra plays a key role as an interpreter during Exercise African Lion 16. Without the skills that she brings to the table, lines of communication between participating nations would be difficult to maintain.

    Born and raised in Lebanon, Abisamra grew up speaking French and Arabic. In 2007 when she was sixteen, her and her family made the journey to the United States where they settled down just outside of Washington, D.C,. and her new life in America began.

    After graduating high school in 2009, Abisamra attended St John’s University in New York City where she majored in business management. The knowledge and skills she gained during her time at college sparked big dreams and plans for her future.

    “I want to build an empire and leave a legacy,” said Abisamra. “Business is a way for me to build something so vast that it can change the lives of many people.”

    Part of Abisamra's big plan was her decision to enlist in the Marine Corps. In support of her cousin who had aspirations of joining the Navy, but couldn’t after being diagnosed with bone cancer, she enlisted and left for recruit training in October of 2014.

    “I wanted to find a way to be my own hero instead of looking at other people,” said Abisamra. “The Marine Corps was one of my dreams, so I joined to be the best I could be.”

    When looking at her options in the Marine Corps, Abisamra was limited because prior to joining she was not a U.S. citizen. Earning the title of United States Marine made becoming a citizen that much sweeter for her.

    “I didn’t want to be a citizen and not have earned it,” said Abisamra “I didn’t want to just be handed something.”

    She wanted to be in the intelligence field for the Marines, however that was not an option she was afforded because she was not a citizen. Although her number one choice was out of the question, she didn’t let that stop her.

    “When they told me no for intelligence, it did hurt," said Abisamra. “But one way or another I could still try to make a difference, whether it was intelligence or something else.”

    For Exercise African Lion 16, Abisamra makes a difference everyday. Not only does she translate during meetings and training sessions, but she also uses the commonality of language to strengthen her bond with service members from participating nations, which is a main goal of the exercise.

    “Being able to interact with people from many different countries is part of why we join the Marine Corps,” said Abisamra. “I joined to be a part of this; this is what I want.”

    When Abisamra is not in training sessions translating, she makes sure to keep herself available at all times, as well as speaks to fellow interpreters in French and Arabic to keep herself fresh and ready to go.

    “We have been trying to speak French in our free time just to make sure we are on our toes in case anyone needs anything,” said Abisamra.

    The hard-working, difference-making and determined attitude that Abisamra has is also strongly evidenced in her life outside of the military. With the tools gained from her degree in business management and from the Marine Corps, Abisamra has plans to move to California next month to launch the non-profit organization she founded called “1,000 Miles in My Shoes.” She started the foundation in honor of her cousin, who later became paralyzed from the waist down because of the bone cancer.

    “The foundation revolves around disabled people and their supporters,” said Abisamra. “We help fulfill the dreams they put on hold and help find that spark they need to fall back in love with life.”

    Abisamra has continued to greatly benefit the exercise and has used her positive mindset and non-stop character to ensure that not only the mission of African Lion is effectively carried out, but also her mission of making a difference in other people's lives.

    To learn more about the foundation, visit http://www.1000milesinmyshoes.org/

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 04.25.2016
    Date Posted: 04.29.2016 12:47
    Story ID: 196862
    Location: AGADIR, MA

    Web Views: 143
    Downloads: 0

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