This is the story of a young man's journey from Nazareth to Los Angeles, his struggles in a new country, and his passion for learning. It is also the story of growing up in a land that is rich in family but torn apart by the currents of history, and how that background ultimately shaped him to become a person dedicated to teaching and improving the lives of his students. It is at once an immigrant's story, a testament to the will of the Palestinian people, and an example of success that is achievable through hard work and education. This memoir is based on decades of personal journals in which the author recorded his daily activities, and it exists as both a family history and (he hopes) as an inspiration to current and future students to not give up on their dreams.

Ghassan S. Bisharat is a Palestinian American, a retired assistant professor of political science at Cal State Los Angeles, and a former high school social science teacher. Long retired, he and his wife now spend their days enjoying their three children and five wonderful grandchildren. He can also be found in his shed teaching his grandkids how to use tools and other equipment, in his home office studying current events, on cruise ships, or at a local casino trying his luck.