Why Noor Matters

Where do I come from? 

I come from Newport Beach, which is not too far from here. I've lived in Newport all my life, so moving to LA for school was a big change for me. Although growing up in Newport was definitely fun, I absolutely love living in Los Angeles now. There is a lot more to do here, but I still like to go home every two weeks to visit my family! 

Where am I going? 

I am hoping to graduate this coming spring and find a cool job here in LA. I want to pursue a career in marketing preferably in the beauty/cosmetics industry. 

How I plan to get there? 

I honestly don't know, I am still figuring it out. However, I will continue to work hard in my classes and apply to as many jobs as I can and hope for the best...

How am I like my parents? 

I'd say that both of my parents are pretty organized and responsible people. I have picked up on a lot of their habits, which has really helped me stay on top of school and work throughout the years. 

How am I unlike my parents? 

My parents are both Persian and they have always been very in touch with their culture, which I have always loved and respected. I would just say we are different in the sense that I was born and raised here, so I am pretty Americanized compared to them. 

Have I developed my own expectations for myself? 

I would say up until a few years ago, I was making decisions to meet my parents' expectations. I wanted to make them proud by doing whatever they thought was best for me. For example, my mom really wanted me to study medicine. I wanted nothing to do with that, but I was about to pursue that career just to make her happy. Fast forward a few years, I'm now sitting in a Marshall classroom writing this thank god. I can  confidently say that I now set my own expectations and do what I think is best for me.   

Who serves as a model to me? 

Huda Kattan serves as a model of someone who lives with great passion and personal responsibility. She is a Middle Eastern woman from humble beginnings who took the risk of starting her own makeup line a couple years ago. Her company is now worth millions and she is someone that I greatly look up to. 

What wild animal do I have a connection with? 

A wild animal that I have a connection with is an elephant. I have always been so fascinated by them. I just think they are so cute and it is one of my dreams to go see some in Africa. 

Connecting with Nature Kingdoms 

When I was around 5 or 6 years old, my dad set up a swing for me on a big tree at the end of my street. My neighbors and I would spend hours on that tree taking turns to swing on it. I have so many memories swinging on that tree, so it will always be special to me. 

Sun sign: 14 degrees Aries 

Moon sign: 22 degrees Leo 

Rising sign: 28 degrees Sagittarius