I learned how to speak for my parents before I fully learned how to speak for myself. I was born in Iran and immigrated to the United States at the age of seven. Farsi is my first language, and growing up bilingual has been a defining part of who I am. At a young age, I became aware that my life looked different from many of my peers. I spoke one language at home and another at school, constantly shifting between the two worlds. While this difference sometimes made me feel like I stood out, it also gave me a unique perspective that I have come to value. One of the biggest challenges of being bilingual was learning how to navigate situations where language created a barrier. I often found myself translating for my parents in everyday settings, whether it was at stores, appointments, or conversations with others. At times, this responsibility felt overwhelming, especially as a child still learning myself. There was pressure to get everything right, knowing that my words carried importance. Additionally, I sometimes struggled with fully expressing myself in English, worrying that I wouldn’t sound as confident or clear as I wanted to be. These moments made me more aware of how isolating language barriers can feel. However, being bilingual has also brought many meaningful benefits. It has allowed me to connect with a wider range of people and build relationships across cultures. Speaking Farsi keeps me closely tied to my heritage, my family, and traditions that remain an important part of my identity. At the same time, learning English has opened doors to opportunities, education, and friendships that have shaped my life in the United States. Rather than feeling divided between two identities, I have learned to embrace both. Being bilingual has also strengthened my communication skills in ways that go beyond language. I have learned to listen carefully, be patient, and adapt depending on who I am speaking to. These skills have helped me connect with others more effectively and understand different perspectives. I have also noticed that people are often curious about my background, and while that once made me nervous, I now see it as an opportunity to share my culture and experiences. Looking ahead, I plan to attend Binghamton University and major in biology, with the goal of pursuing a career in the medical field. After graduation, I hope to continue my education and become a healthcare professional. My experiences as a bilingual individual have strongly influenced this path. I have seen firsthand how language barriers can make already stressful situations, like medical visits, even more difficult for families. I want to be someone who can bridge that gap, helping patients feel understood, comfortable, and supported. Ultimately, being bilingual is not just about speaking two languages; it is about understanding different worlds and finding ways to connect them. While it has come with its challenges, it has shaped my resilience, empathy, and sense of identity. I am proud of the perspective it has given me, and I plan to carry it with me as I continue my education and work toward making a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

“We are leaving.” I remember my parents saying it so simply, like it was something I was supposed to understand right away. I was 7 years old, born and raised in Iran, and at that moment I didn’t fully understand what I was leaving behind, only that everything familiar was about to change. When my family made the decision to move to the United States, immigration wasn’t a choice I made, but it quickly became the experience that shaped who I am. We lived with my aunt for 6 months before finding a place of our own, and during that time I began to realize how much everything was changing. Because I had taken English classes back in Iran, I often had to help translate for my parents, who were still learning the language. I remember standing in stores or everyday situations, carefully translating between my parents and others; at a young age, I felt a quiet responsibility to help my family navigate a world that was just as unfamiliar to me. The transition wasn’t easy. I was met with culture shock, from new foods and a new language to unfamiliar stores and holidays I had never seen before, especially one where people dressed up and went door to door collecting candy. Beyond those differences, what stood out most was the curiosity of others. I was constantly asked about my past, my culture, and my family. At times it felt overwhelming, like I had to represent something I was still trying to understand myself. I often worry about saying the wrong thing. As time passed, I adjusted. I found my place, built connections, and gained confidence. What once made me feel out of place became something that shaped my strength and purpose. More importantly, I came to understand the depth of my parents’ sacrifice. While I left behind pieces of my childhood, they left behind entire lives they had built over years. I am blessed to have parents who chose uncertainty so my brother and I could have more opportunities. This experience taught me that belonging does not come from a place or language, but from people who accept you as you are. Through my journey, I have connected with others from different cultures and come to value the perspectives they bring. Now, my friends learn words in Farsi, try Iranian foods, and ask about my culture, something that once made me nervous has become something I am proud to share. Looking ahead, I plan to attend Binghamton University, where I intend to major in biology as a step toward a career in the medical field. I aspire to become a healthcare professional who can connect with people from diverse backgrounds and provide care that is both knowledgeable and understanding. I have seen how difficult it can be for families to navigate healthcare when language and understanding become barriers. I want to be someone who eases that fear and helps patients feel heard. My immigrant experience has shaped my ability to empathize, communicate, and advocate for others, and I plan to carry these qualities forward in everything I do. At Binghamton, I also hope to challenge myself academically and personally by learning from people with different backgrounds and perspectives. I believe growth comes from both education and experience, and I am eager to pursue both. Ultimately, my goal is to use my education to make a difference in people’s lives during moments when they need it most. Whether through medicine or everyday acts of understanding, I hope to give others the same sense of welcome that shaped my own journey.