Learning history isn’t just about memorizing dates and events. It’s a journey into the collective memory of humanity, offering us profound insights into the achievements and tragedies that have shaped societies across the globe. This essay delves into how historical knowledge can profoundly increase our empathy, enrich our understanding of diverse cultures, and foster a…

🙋🏾‍♀️ My Exploration of Different Cultures and Abilities Throughout my career, I’ve had the fortune of growing up with, working with, and going to schools with individuals from nearly every continent ( not Antarctica of course). My life has been rich with diverse cultural interactions, from Yemen to Afghanistan, China to Japan, Malaysia, South Africa, Kenya,…

Watching the latest episode of “The Real Housewives of Potomac” was quite difficult. In this moment it brought back to my attention the fact that so many Black women face various types of sexual assault and violence. Almost half of the cast shared their own experiences, and just like in real life, some of them…

👩🏾‍🔬Testing When testing out new recipes, don’t use the full portion suggested. Use 1/3 of the recommended amount for each ingredient and make a very small version of the meal. For example, instead of testing out a new recipe on a large five-pack of chicken without knowing if it’s going to taste good, take one…

Let’s chat about something that’s been on my mind: the power of admitting when you’re wrong. It’s a simple yet profound act that too many of us struggle with. I mean, who wants to say, “Hi, I made a mistake, I was wrong, I’m sorry”. But here’s the thing: admitting when you’re wrong is not…

Ever since I was a teenager, I’ve been fascinated by social dynamics in friend groups. Usually, I’ve been more of an observer or an occasional participant rather than a core member of these groups. My experiences over the past few years have led me to deeply study social interactions and human behavior. I’ve looked back…

When I look back at my life over the past few years, I finally understand how villains are made. I now understand that a genuinely good person can turn into a villain, and there’s a formula that renders the villain: Loss Death Trauma Bullying Ostracization Abandonment Mistreatment Persecution Experienced injustice Others’ strong dedication to misunderstanding…

Subtitle: The Healing Power of Funny Videos Life’s challenges can be overwhelming and daunting, this is why I turn to jokes and laughter! While social media can be a dark and negative place, it can also be a place of refuge. Funny videos have become our instant mood lifters, offering a delightful escape from the…

There are five topics I am bringing back into my polymath journey: 👩🏾‍🎨 Art As a kid, I took different art classes and typically went to arts-oriented schools. I enjoyed making Art as well as indulging in it. I used to spend almost every weekend on the museum mile and volunteered at a few art…

This week, something’s been troubling me more than usual. Lately, I can’t help but notice how honesty seems to be in short supply, no matter where I look. This isn’t just something I’ve stumbled upon in articles; I’ve witnessed it firsthand, especially in the corporate world. But let’s face it, this issue isn’t confined to…

I’ve been through a bit of a rollercoaster lately and found myself learning some tough lessons about sharing personal stuff. Especially the hard bits about abuse and mistreatment I’ve faced. I realized being open can sometimes pull in the wrong crowd. You know, those who pretend they want to help but are actually looking for…

It’s been on my mind for a while, and I’ve finally decided to share why LinkedIn isn’t for me anymore. My job in security, especially at startups, requires a certain level of discretion that doesn’t mesh well with the openness of LinkedIn. Interestingly, LinkedIn has never really been a source of job opportunities for me.…

In shadows deep, where harsh words cut like knives,I dwelled amidst the storm, bearing strife.Racism’s chains, tightly wound,Echoes of disdain, a constant sound. Tremors shook my core, a relentless quake,Vomiting the venom, more than I could take.Yet, in a haven where diversity blooms,Acceptance and love dispel the glooms. Strength in unity, a powerful embrace,Healing in…

Beneath the cloak of night, where shadows cut with scorn,She stands, edge of the world, where endless seas are born.With each wave’s crash, a whisper from the past,Spirits of ancestors, whose journeys were their last. ‍ In the deep, she sees reflections not her own,A lineage of strength, through suffering, shown.The sea, a mirror of…

From my earliest memories, even from the age of 5, meal times have always been a struggle for me. While everyone else looked forward to their favorite dishes, I approached the table with a sense of dread, knowing the battle that awaited me. For me, certain foods weren’t just unappetizing; they were foes. The textures…

Upon returning to the United States after years in Europe, I was immediately struck by the stark contrast in the everyday realities of the people around me. Homelessness, a plight affecting countless individuals, revealed stories of resilience, despair, and a silent crisis unfolding on the streets. ‍ In my interactions, one observation stood out painfully:…

Ever felt your closet holding more than just clothes? Like every shirt, every dress, whispers tales from past trauma? Well, I’ve been there, drowning in a sea of fabric that felt more like chains. It hit me one day, clear as the dawn: these aren’t just threads and colors; they’re silent witnesses to my battles,…

Imagine standing at a crossroads where each path is paved with the promises of others—some lead to shared successes, others to solitary standstills. In the last 30 days, my journey has been precisely that: a testament to reliance and, more often than not, disappointment. This isn’t a story of mistrust or bitterness, but rather a…

In many cultures around the globe, the decisions we make often masquerade as mere practicalities. Yet, they frequently harbor deeper truths about our values and the unseen forces that sculpt our world. Take, for example, the Japanese practice of removing shoes before entering a home. On the surface, it appears to be a straightforward gesture…

“Common sense” seems like it should be universal, but when it comes to cleaning and hygiene, what makes sense to one person might be completely baffling to another. Let’s dive into some cleanliness practices that, while seeming like common sense, aren’t as widely understood as you’d think. The Great Shoe Debate In many Asian and…

It’s common to hear people minimizing, overusing, and misusing words like “bipolar” and “crazy” to describe anyone who may be different, show signs of emotional dysregulation, or as highly emotional. Many do so without realizing how hurtful and stigmatizing these terms can be for those struggling with mental health conditions. Using such labels to refer…

Dealing with memory loss in elders is challenging and requires high emotional intelligence and empathy. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, over six million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease, highlighting the importance of effective communication strategies. ‍ Understanding Memory Impairment Memory impairment significantly affects daily life. It’s more than just forgetting names or dates; it…

In my recent research, I’ve delved into the complex relationship between mental illness and cleanliness, particularly focusing on conditions like hoarding disorder and Diogenes syndrome. Understanding these connections can provide deeper insights into the challenges faced by individuals struggling with mental health issues. ‍ Hoarding Disorder and Diogenes Syndrome Hoarding Disorder Hoarding disorder involves persistent…