"Meehe?": What?

The uprisings in the Middle East have taken my breath away. Of course, I despise the fact that people are being killed and injured. However, I am in love with the idea that the people simply will not take one more second of their dictator's leadership. My heart goes out to everyone that has been involved within these rebellions. I am so proud to see the people taking their beliefs into action and proving that they are powerful, that they have a will as well.

These current uprisings remind me of the very reason my parents left their country of Iraq. I feel connected to the people in these uprisings because I can understand their frustration. My parents would tell me stories of times where Iraqis were killed just because of what they had written about their dictator, Saddam Hussein. Anything that was written that undermined him in any way was basically a death sentence for the reporter and even their family. Ones under a dictatorship are not granted such freedoms as Americans; like me. That is why I rejoice in what is happening in the Middle East. Freedom is important, not just to Americans, but to everyone.

I challenge you to imagine life without the freedom of religion or freedom of the press or any ounce of freedom. It’s impossible. To me that life would simply be unbearable.

These uprisings have a reason, a purpose. I hope all could be proud for what these people have taken into their own hands and appreciate their bravery.

"Ina": Me

My life has been anything but normal to most. I always feel like I am different and being judged for my appearance or what I say. It is not easy being the odd man out most of the time. I am a twenty year old Chaldean-American. My parents were born and raised in Iraq and immigrated to America in their early twenties on the hopes of freedom.

They finally had their freedom and have never turned back since. My parents are my role-models, heroes and reasons for living the way I do. Always being different does have its tolls on you (especially when I am going to a predominately white college where they’re barely any students of Middle Eastern descent) but I unbelievably wouldn't have it any other way. My culture has given me an amazing outlook on life and such an open mind to others and their culture where I have grown and am still thriving today. This blog is going to show you the ups and downs of my culture-rich life while being a college student and trying to understand everything that is happening around me.

So buckle up and enjoy the ride.