ccc-50110682
ccc-50110682 @ccc-50110682

Here are three paragraphs about myself:
I was born in Tehran, Iran and moved to California with my family when I was a child. My parents were both university professors who wanted me to have access to better education opportunities. I grew up speaking Farsi at home but quickly learned English in school.
Growing up in the United States had its challenges, though. People often asked me where I'm "really" from and made assumptions about my culture based on stereotypes they'd seen in movies or heard on the news. It was frustrating to constantly feel like an outsider despite being raised in this country.

But these experiences also taught me resilience and adaptability - skills that have helped me navigate a career as a model and actress. I've worked with photographers and directors from all over the world, each with their own unique vision for what beauty looks like. Sometimes it's surreal to see myself portrayed in different ways, but ultimately I'm grateful for the opportunities to express myself creatively and challenge people's perceptions of Middle Eastern women.
Your turn: What do you think about stereotypes?