Khadija Ali — The Book I Recommend Everyone Read at Least Once
If I had to pick just one book that changed my life and that I recommend to everyone I meet, it would be The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
The book resonated deeply with me because it’s about the journey of finding your “personal legend” — a purpose that drives you forward no matter what obstacles stand in your way. I saw myself in Santiago, the shepherd boy who leaves everything behind to chase a dream. Like him, I left behind the only life I knew when I immigrated to the United States from a refugee camp in Kenya. Learning English, becoming an interpreter, and ultimately launching two businesses all felt like steps in discovering my own legend.
What I love most is how the book emphasizes trusting your heart, even when the world seems to be pushing back. That message gave me courage during uncertain moments — whether I was launching my first business with just a cell phone or advocating for immigrant voices in healthcare.
The Alchemist reminds me that the journey itself is just as important as the destination. And that pursuing something bigger than yourself — like connecting communities through language — is the ultimate reward.
