1-Describe yourself in 5 words, don’t be modest.
genuine, friendly, sarcastic, adventurous, loyal
2-What is something you wholeheartedly believe?
I have the best dog..haha, kidding, sort of. My actual answer is, I wholeheartedly believe that education is the equalizer.
STH: Why do you say that?
KEA: I have had the opportunity seen first hand the impact that the lack of education/educational resources has on a person, group of people, or even a country at large. When people are educated, it opens up so many more opportunities to escape the cyclical nature of poverty, it allows for innovation, and development - both for concrete development (providing access to healthcare, infrastructure, family planning etc) and social development (global communication, greater understanding and empathy of people, etc.) I truly believe the world would be a more understanding, safer, cleaner, healthier and overall better place if all people had access to education.
3-What is something you’re proud of?
I think what I am most proud of is not really an accomplishment or award, but rather learning to become an advocate for myself. My nature is to put myself last so learning to communicate my worth and needs has been a big learning curve.
STH: That sounds like a life changing accomplishment! Can you give an example?
KEA: A while ago I had a new job offer and was able to negotiate almost a 50% raise at my current job.
Also, I think as I have deeper and more meaningful relationships. Really focusing on my needs in relationships and being more in tune to others' needs has allowed the relationships to evolve.
4-Last time you cried?
This past weekend. One of my oldest friends graduated with his PhD. I'm also just a softy and if someone cries the waterworks start.
5-Favorite cuss word
Fuck
6-Something about your current age that surprised you?
I have become much more concerned with skincare and my willingness to pay more for quality products.
7-Best advice you’ve ever received?
My dad always says, "pay attention, it's free". While usually he says it right after someone has done something ridiculous, I do think it applies to everything from walking down the street, to interpersonal relationships, to the political climate etc. We are so often absorbed in social media or in our own heads that we forget to just pay attention to the world around us.
STH: Didn't your dad run for president?
KEA: Oh, he just campaigns and votes for himself...as you do, lol...please note that he's an immigrant and therefore cannot be President. What a guy!
STH: How many votes do you think he got?
KEA: I would say probably somewhere between 5-10. depending on how many friends he roped into his plan. He thinks it’s hilarious.
8-Mac or PC?
Mac. Always.
9-Peaks and Pits of this year so far?
+Having so many people that I love together in the same place at the same time to celebrate mine and my fiance's engagement
-Dealing with health issues for both mine and my fiance’s grandparents & having to be in a boot for a month for my dumb stress fracture
10- Best compliment you've ever received?
"You've changed my son's life. Thank you for not giving up on him."
STH: What were you doing when that parent said that to you?
KEA: It was the last day of school at parent pick up and I had been his 2nd grade teacher for the year.
11-Have you ever experienced discrimination?
Yes, two vivid examples come to mind: 1- I was about 6 or 7 and one of my friend's parents told me I was going to hell because I am not Christian 2- In Israel on Birthright (a program where young Jewish adults go to Israel) during a discussion about whether or not it was important for us as individuals to marry another Jewish person. The backstory is that my family is Sephardic, which means that we are Middle Eastern Jews rather than European Jews (Ashkenazi). One of the Israelis that we were traveling with said that he wouldn't even go as far as to marry a Sephardic Jew because you don't know where their true loyalties are.
12-Worst thing you’ve ever done?
In middle school there was this really annoying girl and one day she was wearing all black and a friend and I decided it was the perfect opportunity to *accidentally* trip into her with chalkboard erasers. It sounds ridiculous, but honestly I'm still embarrassed I treated someone like that.
13-Highest level of education?
Masters in Elementary Education
14-Last place you traveled?
Arizona - Tucson and Sedona for a wedding. Oh wait I lied, Columbus, OH for a friend's graduation.
15-Last thing you bought?
Chipotle for lunch.
16-What languages do you speak?
Decent at French, minimal Arabic
17-If you could do any job, what would it be?
Author
18- What advice would you give to your 20 year old self?
I was studying abroad when I was 20, and I think looking back I would keep living in the moment, make as many connections as you can, and put your phone away.
Washington, DC Age 31