COM Outlook Winter 2021

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY | 27 First-Person Essays in such an uplifting environment shaped how I treat everyone to this day. Their kindness showed me that I have the responsibility to do the same for others in similar situations. Utilizing my knowledge and experi- ences to help others who face bullying and abuse daily is my passion. As an immigrant, I have personally experienced the direct benefits of understanding different cultures. Although I was young, I found the motivation to overcome a tough situation and derive a positive out- look because of my diverse perspective. In my search for belonging, I realized my Persian heritage would reside in me forever. It is something I am proud of. Elham Shams is a first-year KPCOM student. I was the only one to raise my hand after the teacher asked, “Who doesn’t have a partner?” The initial exhilaration of moving to a new country with unlimited potential was eclipsed by a sense of loneliness.