What are you most grateful for in your life?  I think for me, it’s my family. I’m really grateful for my family, we are close and we’ve gone through a lot together. We have moved a lot, and we have experienced war and loss. We’ve also experienced a lot of happy moments as well. I’m very grateful for what they have provided for me and for giving me the opportunities that I had. 

What do you like about working at North? What I enjoy the most are the connections I make with different kids that go through here. I like the cultural diversity and how we celebrate diversity here. 

What inspired you to sponsor Assyrian Club? What inspired me to continue working with Assyrian Club is my own identity and helping with providing a space for students that are Assyrian or students who are not Assyrian but are interested in learning more about the culture and also helping them uplift their voice. When I was in high school, at Mather, I was a part of the Assyrian Club which was part of the reason that I really believe in what it gives to members. 

What’s your favorite memory from Assyrian Club? I think the most special memory is from the pandemic, we tried to figure out different ways to still participate and do activities while we were remote or wearing masks. We came up with working on a mural with an artist which was a very special project. It was a combination of initially starting with Zoom meetings in the planning process to get everyone’s visions. We even invited West Club members to join us. This project helped us connect with each other and really collaborate with each other. 

What do you like to do in your free time? I really loved exploring and learning about different languages. Especially the Assyrian language. I spend a lot of my time volunteering on different projects outside of school, especially through nonprofit organizations. I also love traveling and walking around with my dog. I’m working with him to try to certify him as a therapy dog. 

If you could tell your younger self something, what would it be? I would tell myself to really push through and take my chances when I’m presented with opportunities. Because sometimes we don’t come across some opportunities in the future so don’t miss out. 

How do you want to be remembered? I want to be remembered for my work. What I imprint and what I contribute to the bigger society. In general, I think I always try to be remembered as a kind person. 

What’s your greatest strength? I think as a profession, I would say, actively listening. Being a listener and usually, I’m really passionate about advocating for others. 

If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be? Why? More recently, I’ve been closely watching what was happening in Turkey and Syria with the earthquake and I was feeling very helpless. I was really wishing that I was there to assist in ways that I can. It’s a region that I would consider home. 

What’s an accomplishment you are proud of?  As a team effort, I would say accomplishing getting the Assyrian language recognized as a world language and getting it approved to be a choice at district 219.