"I am human"
When people ask me "Where are you from ?" my answer is so complicated that my reply takes around 15 seconds and end it up by saying "I don't know where I am from, I am human". I am raised in Italy, Lebanon and the US. My grandparents are originally armenians who fled from the genocide, and I am born in the US.
There are positives to multiculturalism too of course. I speak 6 languages. I fit into many cultures by easily empathizing with them (my friends used to call me a chameleon), and I got first hand experience on the effects of wealth and gender inequality in different countries ever since I was a child.
During my adolescence, I also experienced some tough years. First, My mom had been diagnosed with schizophrenia, then my father had to quit his job due to the company underperforming, and then my parents divorced. My mom had 350$ monthly allowance to support herself and her 3 children. They were tough years but It made me want to understand mental health problems, family inequality and welfare.
As a 16 year old boy, I found myself in the middle of a war between Lebanon and Israel. I decided to volunteer in the Red Cross to help refugees fleeing the war zone. I was afraid during the war, but I was proud and happy to be able to help others in need.
I studied psychology to further my understanding of society and human behavior. I got to the conclusion that many of the social dysfunctions are mere symptoms of inequality. For example, I have read many research papers suggesting that countries with high income inequality have worse rates of life expectancy, drug abuse, mental illness, trust, education scores, homicides, crimes and imprisonment, obesity, teen birth, innovation and others.
After graduation, I went back to Lebanon to volunteer in a non-profit organization that helps syrian refugees find housing, psychotherapy services, employment and healthcare services among other things.
Coming from a family of refugees, with a mother with a serious mental health problem, being socioeconomically disadvantaged, all made me understand that social work and welfare are the cornerstones to a better society. Now I am here applying for this masters program to further develop my understanding of the nordic welfare system which I believe is the best system in the world.
After graduating from the program I hope to join the Phd program or a nonprofit organization and help research or implement policies promoting social welfare
