As a first-generation Chaldean American daughter of Iraqi immigrants the pressure was on for me to pursue a career in the medical field, a path that I believed would honor my parents’ sacrifices and approval from my community. Starting college as a pre pharmacy major, I soon discovered that my true passion lay elsewhere. After being inspired by a TikTok video about product design, I began to explore a career in user experience design and research, eventually studying psychology and graphic design. Fast forward, I’ve never been more confident and happier with my decision, and I am proud to have followed my own path, defying the cultural stereotype that success and respect come only from having a career that everyone knows about.