In the shadow of the pyramids, where ancient tales whispered through the wind, I found my own voice. As a first-gen Egyptian, I was captivated by the power of storytelling and how media shaped our world. The news, a daily ritual that began with the familiar tune of WSOC-TV, was my window to the world, igniting a curiosity that has fueled my academic journey.I was often the bridge between cultures. While Arabic was my first language, I helped my parents navigate learning English, becoming their unofficial language tutor. They instilled in me the importance of education and effective communication, which has shaped my professional pursuits.From drafting emails for them at a young age to writing columns for The Daily Tar Heel, I have always found purpose in using words to connect with others. As a graduate student at the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, I am excited to continue honing my skills in the field of media and communication.When I'm not diving into media projects or studying, I’m enjoying life as a devoted cat mom to Gemma and Freddy. I also have a deep love for travel, always eager to discover new places and cultures!