Bio for David W-KHello everyone. My name is David and I am a rising junior at Mary Washington. I moved to Arlington, VA from Washington D.C. at the age of four. My family history and racial heritage is central to my character and plays a large role in my decision to pursue a degree in International Affairs. I attended high school at H-B Woodlawn, a very small school with only 80 kids in my graduating class. I chose Mary Washington because I felt comfortable the minute I set foot on campus. Being consciously aware of my identity and an ability to make lifelong friends anywhere I go has truly enriched my life. The roots and branches of my family tree stretch from New Zealand to Eastern Europe to North Africa. I do not have just one identity, but several. While this might seem like a source of confusion, I find it helps me be flexible and adapt to cross-cultural settings and groups.
Born in Egypt, my Muslim father immigrated to Washington, D.C. at the age of 21, where he met my Jewish-Christian mother. My father and I have returned to Egypt multiple times so that I can have a relationship with my extended but distant family. I feel fortunate to experience Egyptian culture, observe the lifestyles, and witness their struggles, which have been many and severe (including multiple uprisings or revolutions since 2011). My relatives are resilient and have overcome so much. I am astounded by the adversity they have faced, as their struggle is an integral part of my identity and my ultimate goal of joining the Foreign Service. (Word Count 267)
Hello David! I am also from Northern Virginia I grew up in McLean before moving to Fredericksburg. I have never traveled to Egypt, but I would love to the history there must be amazing! You are certainly a mixed bag of races and religions which is awesome to be able to experience all of that. What would you like to do with the Foreign Service once you graduate? Good luck this semester, and I look forward to getting to know you!
David,
You have a truly interesting heritage. It’s too bad this is an online class, as I would love to talk to you about where you grew up. While I was born in Massachusetts, I have always considered myself to be a Northern Virginian. Yes, that means I am an impatient driver. I grew up in the Springfield,Burke, and McLean areas. I also have strong ties to Arlington, as I worked there for twenty years. Good luck to you.
Hello David,
I find it interesting that you come from H-B Woodlawn– it’s a very similar school to the New School, where I went. We also tend to have a lot of shared students, as people transfer back and forth a lot.
David,
I would have loved to have went to a high school where it was not overpopulated as you did, which is one of the reasons I chose Mary Washington. It is in my belief that it is easier to receive more targeted instruction when classes are not overflowing with students. That must have been a nice experience for you.
I do not think it is confusing to have more then one ethnic identity, but an advantage as you have said. I identify myself as Native American and Caucasian American. Native American on part of my father and Caucasian on behalf of my mother.
Hi David, thanks for sharing so much about your family. I can tell that you have strong ties to your roots which is great to see. I hope you continue to travel and reach your goal of joining the Foreign Service.
Have a great semester.