my role model

Some of my traditional Middle Eastern beliefs are based of biblical interpretations. For instance, in Colossians 3:18, the bible denotes that wives should submit themselves unto their own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. God also created the woman as a "helper" for the man: The LORD God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him." (Genesis 2:18). The traditional Middle Eastern 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.

Although law in the United States defines women’s rights, the same cannot be said in most countries throughout the Middle East. From a young age, a girl is instilled with the mentality that they are inferior to men. They witness their mothers caring for them and being in charge of the household. Growing up and seeing this daily, young women are pressured to follow in their mother's footsteps and marry at a young age. Upon marrying, women are expected to be a mother, nurturer, housekeeper and cook. All other aspects of a women’s life are secondary. Accordingly, in Middle Eastern tradition, women are forced to carry out these roles because of society's traditional view of a woman’s role. As a result, women lose their identity as they are so caught up in trying to fit the model their society has shaped for them.

With my father being of Jordanian descent and mother being of Lebanese descent, I witnessed the same stronghold on women’s rights. However, I was lucky enough for my mother to teach me that a women’s rights and dreams don’t’ end at marriage. My mot...

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...ill be able to achieve my dreams as well regardless of what it takes. It has always been my mother’s wish to see me follow a similar path as her.

My mother helped me become a good woman with family values and she influenced me to maintain a balance in life and persevere through hardships. She taught me that even though the bible states that women should submit themselves to their husband that does not mean that they are less inferior to them. Lastly, my mother showed me how women can accomplish anything that their hearts desire and are capable of taking care of family while having their own careers. Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had, and dealing with fears you didn't know existed. The French novelist, Anatole France once said that “to accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe”.