Now is the time we start to make big life choices, like where we want to go to university, and what jobs we want to pursue. I am currently undecided (much to my parents' disappointment), but I am interested in continuing to learn Arabic and perhaps major in International Relations.
Last year, I applied to the National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) scholarship, enabling me to travel to Amman, Jordan this past summer and learn Arabic for six weeks. Still, my Arabic is not advanced at all. However, I loved learning about Jordaninan culture and sharing both my Indian and American cultures with my host family. Although I am young, I have caught the study abroad "bug" and desire to travel and learn more languages, inshallah!
One of my favorite hobbies is cooking, and of course, eating! In fact, it was easy to bond with my host mother over our love of cooking. I am excited to learn more about Iraqi food! My favorite food from Jordan would most definitely be falafels. I miss them so much, as they are not the same in the US.
I also love to play piano, and have been playing for ten years now. I compete on my local swim team, and have been swimming for nine years now.
I am excited to begin our cultural journey!
