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I tend to always challenge the status quo. Ever since I was young, I was a bit of a rebel. I never did anything crazy, but I often wasn't afraid to break the rules. I find myself questioning societal norms and practices all the time, speaking out about my ideas, and often times standing out for the way I process and think. I like this aspect about myself, even though sometimes it makes it harder for me to conform or relate with others. I do think it makes me more unique, and many of my friends appreciate my genuinity. In PA school, we are expected to conform, act conservatively and professionally, and to not question the medical textbooks and data that is sworn to us as fact. I challenge traditional western medicine and the profit-driven approach that it takes, but often times I would be afraid to share this in front of most audiences. Doubtful thinking is not always rewarded in our society, but curious thinking is.

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I think about my mom, Atoosa, every day. Ever since she was diagnosed with ALS, through her death, and up until this point, I carry this grief with me every day

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It's astonishing how much loss can affect someone. I feel like it rewired my brain and completely changed my perspective on life. It's hard to put into words, but it truly affects me deep to my core. I don't really see any societal privilege in this area, except perhaps giving me a few extra layers of empathy that I can use towards future encounters/patients. Most of all, it makes it hard for me to relate to my peers. Most people in their early-mid 20's have parents who are both alive. It also sometimes makes it hard for me to focus for long periods of time. It has caused me to be more sensitive to human suffering. Our general society has a hard time talking about grief, and it can feel isolating.

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Ahh, where to even begin with this one. I am a woman and I identify strongly with many aspects of being a woman. I reap the societal benefits of being a woman, such as the privileges of people being gentler towards me, getting away with certain things, playing into my looks, having {men} do things for me, etc. I also experience the many downfalls in society, such as people not taking me as seriously, valuing me for the way I look, and the expectation to have a boyfriend/settle down at a younger age. Men can get away with getting married and having children well into their middle-older age. Women are expected to start this domestication much younger, especially out here in Virginia (compared to CA). I also feel like as women, we are much more likely to feel uncomfortable and experience inappropriate remarks. At the end of the day, I do still think it's a mans world. But boy, am I grateful to be a woman.

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I strongly identify with my Iranian roots. I grew up with a strong cultural identity of being Persian. I think it is a huge part of who I am. I have a whole community of others back home who I grew up with, and strong cultural and familial ties. I speak fluent Farsi and hold Iranian values and traditions close to my heart. It allows me the privilege of having strong ties and relationships, as well as a culture that makes me feel loved and connected to others. It has given me a community that I can identify with. I am lucky to have that, as many do not. At the same time, not being a White American was very hard growing up. I would always try to assimilate and felt self conscious for being different. I used to want to look just like the American girls at school or on TV- straight, blonde hair and light skin. The middle east is a mystery to many people. Most Americans have never been there and do not have much of an accurate understanding of this region. All you ever hear in the news is unrest and negative events about the middle east. I'll never forget in Middle School when a popular boy called me a terrorist. It wasn't until I matured that I started to appreciate and take pride in the differences that make me who I am and appreciate this colorful and historical culture that I was born into.