memoir

My father is Jordanian and my mother is Lebanese. They both are from two different Middle Eastern countries; however, traditions between the two cultures are very similar. In the Middle Eastern tradition women are not valued as much as the men are. God made men and women to be different, but equal, nonetheless. Some describe the family as representative of the Trinity--men being like God, the Father in that they are the head; women representing the Holy Spirit by being the comforters and nurturers; and children being an extension of Christ, the Son. All three are different, with different roles and responsibilities, but each one is vital to the whole.

God created man and woman to be co-equal, partners. Through women, God brought forth kings, leaders, prophets, pastors, and even the Son of God. While some religions do teach that women are inferior, the Bible says that God made both of the same flesh. Both male and female reflect His image. Without either sex, we could not fully understand the nature of God.

The only gender distinctions present in the Bible have to do with the culture of the day. There is no mention of spiritual gifts or salvation being different for men and women. Despite of this bible reference, the traditional marriage consists of a man working to support his family while the woman stays home to clean and cook. Both of my parents grew up where in that typical traditional environment. However, I was raised in a different environment where both of my parents worked. Growing up I did not get to see my mother as much, however, she still has the most influence on me.

When a woman marries and begins a family they typically lose their individuality. Every little girl dreams of getting married and raising a family, beca...

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...abilities and solidified my interest in going into biology and becoming a pharmacist. After taking many science courses, my intrigue for the human physiology amplified. It was fascinating to learn that every part of the body is correlated to each other. Reflecting back on my grandfather's condition, I know that he suffered from type 2 diabetes caused by either the fact that his cells were insulin resistant or due to his pancreas failing to produce insulin. Consequently, his chronic illness deepened my desire to learn about medication and drug therapy. I too just like my mother was inspired by his illness. With this "seed of pharmacy" in me, just like the seed of nursing that was implanted in my mother, I will seek to improve patient care with passion and devotion. As Hippocrates once said - "Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity."