My Personal History
Media
"Bridge to Terabithia"
- really resonated with me as a child
- boosted my ability to empathize with others
People
Celebrities
Jim Carrey
- the one actor/entertainer who genuinely brings me serotonin when I'm down
Joji & Hozier
- my "calm in the storm"
Malala Yousafzai
- awakened me to the real, psychological issues in our world (when I first read her story in second grade)
- is who sparked my passion for social justice
Teachers
Ms. Wisner
- inspired my love for running
Mr, Ryu
- taught me a sense of community and to prioritize others in my life while still ensuring to take time to appreciate where I am in the moment
Best Friends
"The Squad" - and no, not four people, nine actually
- loved me unconditionally
- built my backbone
- stood up for me regardless of how long it had been since we'd last spoken
- are probably the most important people in my life aside from my Mom
Sadiq
- somehow always gives incredible advice
- modelled an idealistic academic and life mindset
Saanavi
- offered a pure, loving friendship with no strings attached
Alyssa
- listened and communicated thoroughly through it all
Jasper
- deepened my adoration for music
- inspired me to continue learning the guitar and drums
- offered a judgement-free place to talk
Asmir
- an escape
- introduced me to the online world and a nicer way of life through his unbelievably-positive mindset and comedic sense of advisory
Afifah
- remained by my side when it felt most had drifted away
Martim
- acted as an older brother figure
Daniel
- taught me the significance of patience
- enlightened me to the fact that there truly is a soft side to everyone
Christian
- awakened my adventurous spirit and creative side
Ahmed
- was my rock during an incredibly-rough period in both of our lives
Isaiah
- showed me kindness and support at times I was unaware I needed it
- provided an irreplaceable brightness in my life
- introduced me to one of my now-favourite musicians
- became the only one I could confide everything in
Family
Third Cousins
Owen
- displayed cognitive brilliance
- gave me hope for the future of our world
Ellie
- demonstrated endless creativity as well as the simplicity of childhood and solutions to problems that feel far too complicated to be solved by an older mind
Second Cousins/Godparents
Aunt Sarah
- indoctrinated me into the world of the arts - mainly musicals
- deepened my passion for singing and theatrics
- provided me with sound advice no matter the issue shared
Uncle Ryan
- educated me on the importance of sanity and logic over the societally-correct choice at certain times
- taught me vital "street smarts"
Cousins
Victoria
- allowed me to see the "silver lining" in any circumstance
- supported me in all endeavours, without always knowing the purpose for said endeavours
Alyssa
- remains a place of comfort
- acted as an older sister figure for me as a child
Inner Circle
Grandad
- bestowed wisdom - historical and philosophical
- modelled the role of a decent man throughout my life
- gave me numerous life experiences - specifically regarding mechanical and musical skills
- encouraged (and encourages) me in everything I('ve) pursue(d)
Grandma
- introduced me to art, gardening and baking
- provided me with a safe space
Mom
- taught me ethics, manners & countless life lessons while showing me both unconditional and "tough love"
Achievements
Achieving first place in a Peel Scrabble Tournament
- demonstrated the ultimate potential of both my language and nerdy abilities
Hobbies/Pastimes
Writing
- a chance to express myself openly, honestly and truly
Sports
- an energy outlet and form of stress relief
Music
- my primary source of inspiration and sanity
Significant Events/Major Milestones
Elementary School
Encounters
Attending "Thornwood Public School"
- met almost all of my best friends and favourite people
Being placed in Mr. Ryu's class in fourth grade
- allowed me to meet several people who shaped my everyday life for years to come
- provided me with opportunities to get involved in the community and build my own
Meeting Mr. Wilson - my elementary gym teacher
- encouraged me to take up every and any sport
- is the reason I'm so openly active today
Meeting "Teeter-Totter Boy" in Kindergarten
- spending every day with him gave me insight on uncomplicated happiness during a crucial time of development for me
- losing contact with him abruptly helped to normalize the idea that relationships ending is natural
Occupationally-
Relevant Events
Being deemed gifted in fourth grade
- bettered my work ethic
- expanded my cognitive and organizational capabilities
- got me involved with the "WE Charity" (although they're a controversial topic now
Clubs,
Extracurriculars
& Initiatives
Organizing a "Water Walk" (in relation to I.S.E.L.P..)
- furthered my understanding of developing countries and the incredibly prevalent inequality within our world - leading to a deepened passion for social justice at 9 years old
Running the "Marafun"
- taught me the importance of staying active
- broadened my knowledge of opportunities available to me in order to maintain my physique
Joining "Girls' Group" (a social activism club at my elementary school)
- opened my eyes further in terms of global issues (i.e. social, economic, etc.)
- gave me a platform at school
Travel
Going to New York for the first time
- widened my horizons regarding the cultures of the world
- helped to explain where "Manifest Destiny" led the U.S.
Staying with my grandparents while my parents travelled to New York
- awakened my sense of independence at a young age
