On this soulful thursday

Maryam was among the first people I shyly ask to start up my first experiences with photography. Along the lines of me directing her on where to pose, how to pose a bound of great friendship was found between her and I. Here is my little interview with her, enjoy

S:In your own words and self love what makes you beautiful?

Maryam :My love of being different makes me beautiful. The fact that I take pride in being a good person, and that I strive to be a better person every day is what makes me beautiful.

S:-Those are deep and clever answers. I know when you found out you had cancer you were devastated but how and what did you do to keep going to this journey?

Maryam: When I first found out I was devastated, I went through the “why me” phase, I went through a very dark depression for the first month.  I slowly came out of the depression as time progressed and as I got closer to my last session of Chemotherapy.  I had a great support team, and I strived to think positive, because I was told by a fellow survivor, that I needed to call myself a survivor even while I was going though it all, because it gave me the strength to know that I am a bad ass fighter.  Cancer is something that is a part of my life now. Sometimes still to this day, I have my moments were I cry when I think about what I went thorough and how much my life as changed.  Other times I cry because I am so happy I was blessed with a second chance at life. But the people I had around me and my positive attitude were the main thing that kept me going.

S:It's very moving and difficult but you are truly a survivor. I know you recently went back home from switching to Orlando to Arizona and as you were home you decided to take a break from school before you go back for your bachelors. What were the pros and cons of taking the break from school? did you had any time to polish any given talents

Maryam :YES! I am back home in Phoenix, Arizona.  I have the job that I wanted to have during my gap year.  I work in a school district as a teacher’s assistant.  I love the experience I am getting.  Like I am not use to always depending on solely the job as an income, especially when some much is taken out for certain things…smh, but hey it is life.  I also just miss the networking of school and getting up to go to class, etc.  I am saying that now but I am sure when I go back to school, I will be totally like, “I can’t wait for school to be done!!!” Sadly, no I do not have the room to get back into my art.  Most of my stuff is still in storage.  When I eventually leave the nest and spread my wings, and have my own, cute, adorable, place,I will have the room, to have my little art corner set up.  I miss my beading and fiber arts, it relaxes me. The pros of a gap year are I get the experience of working in a school district, I see how it works and runs, and having the time to just relax and focus on making myself and my health better. 

S:Very nice that you did constructive experiences with your time off from school.How do you describe your style in clothing? do you spend a big amount of time before figuring out what you’re going to wear like I do? Or you already know ahead of time.

Maryam :my style in clothing is so different and universal.  I don’t go by name brands; I am all about Quality honey!!!  Quality is what matters.  I do not like to fit into the fads and trends.  I embrace being different.  Sometimes I pick out my outfits the night before, and sometimes I just pick randomly, sometimes they are nice outfits, and sometimes they are pretty eccentric and fashion no no’s.  Other times, I like to dress up and wear make-up.  It all depends on my mood, and where I am going.

S:What are the quotes that you live by?--Think Positive! 

Maryam:--This song about smiling

Smile, tho' your heart is aching. Smile, even tho' it's breaking, when there are clouds in the sky you'll get by if you smile, through your fear and sorrow. Smile and maybe tomorrow you'll see the sun come shining thru for you. Light up your face with gladness, hide ev'ry trace of sadness altho' a tear maybe ever so near that's the time you must keep on trying. Smile what's the use of crying, you'll find that life is still worthwhile if you'll just smile.”

Charlie Chaplin

--And these Dr.Seuss quotes

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.

You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.

Thank you for taking the time to answers my questions Maryam. You are one hardcore positive and lovely person always stay true to yourself...oh wait I know that's not a problem for you because you are already true to yourself :)

It's All Love

Sophie :)