My freshman randomized roommates could not have been any more opposite. Daniela was a sexually liberated maximalist aspiring to be a comic. She slept until 2PM, preferred chaos, and never missed a rave. Rahanuma was a devout Muslim studying finance who never slept past 7AM, kept her side spotless, and preferred a night in, watching Bollywood films. The only quality they shared was stubbornness. In the first week, there was a noticeable divide in our room. While all of us had our differences, I stood at the crossroads. I sought to use this to find a middle ground with each of them. In doing so, I successfully transformed our polarized dorm into a home. 

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Informed by Islamic and Iranian roots, I was able to extend an understanding of Rahanuma’s cultural and religious practices. When doing our housing agreement, I was able to help Rahanuma communicate her needs in terms that an outsider could comprehend. During Ramadan, Rahanuma came to me, expressing her struggle with asking Daniela to avoid playing music aloud. Recognizing that there were customs I was unfamiliar with, such as this, I knew I needed to learn more to support Rahanuma. I quickly learned directly asking Rahanuma about the specificities of her practices was the most intimate and effective method of understanding. Within this role, I learned how to navigate through the unknown as well as how to best advocate for those around me.

 

On the other side of the room, I was also forging a connection with Daniela. Rahanuma often found Daniela’s imagination and flowing stream of consciousness overwhelming. Conveniently, my own buzzing brain mirrored Daniela's and offered a gateway to nurture a friendship. As my relationship with Daniela strengthened, I worked to bring both of my roommates together. Although unconventional, routine back-and-forth improv bits performed by Daniela and me gave Rahanuma a comedic space to appreciate and connect with Daniela's creativity.

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I never expected that on our last night, all three of us would sit on my bed, exchanging laughs while scrolling through clothing sites, looking at Desi attire.