Before you can understand the world, it’s often said, you must first understand yourself. I’ve spent years exploring who I am, and as I continue to grow, I realize that embracing both my personal passions and cultural heritage is an essential part of understanding my place in the world. 

My passions lie in many areas, but art and languages are at the core of who I am. I’ve always felt a deep connection to visual art. It is a universal language that transcends barriers and allows me to communicate complex emotions. Drawing, painting, and the study of fine art have always been a way for me to process the world around me. The process of transforming the ideas in my mind into tangible form is incredibly fulfilling and offers a way to express things that words sometimes cannot. In addition to visual art, I have a deep appreciation for language. Language has always fascinated me, as it’s a bridge between people, an expression of identity, and a way to understand the intricacies of culture. Whether it’s learning a new language or exploring the depth of the languages I already know, I see language as a tool for both connection and discovery.

My Moroccan and Lebanese heritage also plays an integral role in my identity. I was raised in an environment where our culture was celebrated. That upbringing has given me a deep respect for the diverse nature of the human experience. My heritage has shaped the way I approach life, politics, art, and the way I express myself. Growing up with multiple cultural influences has made me aware of the importance of one’s identity and how that affects the way they interact with one another. My family’s roots in Morocco and Lebanon have instilled in me a sense of belonging, not just to a specific place, but to a larger global community. These influences are a source of pride for me and continue to guide me as I navigate my own identity and creative journey.

While my love for art and languages is central to who I am, I also have a deep appreciation for the importance of culture in all aspects of my life. Culture is how I view the world and how I relate to others. It informs my interactions, shapes my values, and influences the stories I tell. Whether through art, writing, or conversation, I believe that culture is what connects us to our roots. It is also what allows us to grow and adapt as individuals in a constantly changing world. As I continue to grow, I aim to immerse myself in different cultures, learn new languages, and create art that I am proud of.

One of my greatest strengths lies in my love for organization. I find comfort in structure, whether it’s in my artwork, my workspaces, or my life in general. Having systems in place allows me to manage the various aspects of my life and keep track of everything that’s important to me. However, this strength often comes with a challenge; keeping up with the systems I set for myself. I’m easily frustrated when things fall apart or when I can’t maintain the organization I’ve envisioned. While this is something I continue to work on, it also keeps me grounded in the understanding that perfection isn’t always possible. 

As much as I’m known for an enthusiasm for the arts, I’d like to think my family and friends also see me as someone who is introspective and thoughtful. They often describe me as passionate about the things I love, whether it’s art, language, or history. They recognize how much my background shapes the way I express myself and how deeply I care about connecting with others. People who know me well also understand my struggles with balance. Balancing my love for creativity with the need for structure and organization can be difficult. I sometimes find it difficult to reconcile these two aspects of myself, but I’m learning to accept the push and pull as part of my growth.

There are a few things that deeply infuriate me, and one of them is a lack of appreciation or apathy for culture and diversity. Growing up with a multicultural background has shown me how important it is to acknowledge and honor different cultural perspectives. I find it frustrating when people dismiss or misunderstand cultures, and I strongly believe that culture enriches our lives and helps us better understand each other. Another source of frustration is inefficiency. When systems or plans don’t work out due to lack of preparation, it challenges my sense of control. 

In terms of significant moments in my life, I have to mention the role that art and culture have played in shaping who I am today. My first experience with art wasn’t all too profound of a moment—I was drawn to superheroes, Spider-man in particular, and wanted to emulate the art I’d seen of him on television. As I tried my best to copy each image of him I could find, it showed me how powerful the creative process can be in translating emotions and ideas into something meaningful. Similarly, learning about my cultural heritage and connecting with the language, music, and traditions of my Moroccan and Lebanese roots has been pivotal in defining my sense of self. 

As I continue on my journey of self-discovery, I recognize that the combination of my artistic passions, love for languages, and cultural heritage plays a central role in shaping who I am. My aim is to keep embracing these aspects of myself and use them to better understand the world around me. Through my creative endeavors, I hope to express the richness of both my personal experiences and the larger cultural forces that have influenced my life.