People

Growing up, I have always wanted to work in Media & Entertainment, particularly in radio and television. I never thought I would ever end up in academia despite loving to teach others in school and always playing the role of a “teacher” in every role playing game. However, I grew up in Beirut, Lebanon, where opportunities in this field are limited for individuals like myself due to the lack of access to opportunities to Muslims in that field. In 2016, when I was applying for my bachelor’s degree, I was hesitant to vocalize my interest and check the “Arts,” or “Radio & Television,” boxes on my application because of the stigma around it back home. Deep down, I always knew that I had a great interest in interpersonal communication and connections and I could only thrive in work environments that require this interaction. That is when I decided to enroll in Human Resource Management.

9 years later… I am doing my PhD in Organizational Leadership, Policy, and Development with emphasis on Human Resource Development. This field has definitely impacted the person I am today and there was not a second where I felt that I was majoring in the wrong field.

In 2022, I left my home country and immigrated to the United States. While this could be one of the most difficult decisions for some people to make, it was the easiest decision for me. I felt ready to take this step – a step that represents my liberation, self-exploration, healing from generational traumas, and breaking toxic cycles of abuse. Today, I deliberately carry my identities that represent me at my core as a first-generation student, an immigrant, a person of color, and a Muslim coming from a war-torn country in Southwest Asia.

A quote that represents me:

"ولا بُدَّ لِلَّيْلِ أنْ يَنْجَلِي ولا بُدَّ للقيْدِ أَنْ يَنْكَسِر" 
– أبو القاسم الشابي