When I first began to discern which language to pursue in college, my mind stumbled between two choices: Italian and Arabic. My interest in learning both foreign languages stems from my Italian heritage and passion for the Middle East after recently travelling there while I was in high school. After much consideration, I chose Arabic, which, despite the difficulties of learning an entirely different language with a new alphabet, I fell in love with.

At first, practising Arabic became my way of re-living my experience in the Middle East, preparing me for my next visit. It is true that my past experiences inspired me to take this language in the first place. But after an entire semester of the language courses, I began to appreciate its uniqueness, and I grew eager to continue my studies so that one day I could be fluent. So, by the end of my second semester, I formally declared myself as an Arab & Islamic Studies major.

I can assure you, identifying as an Arab & Islamic Studies major is not the easiest thing to explain to other people. Whenever I am in the presence of adults or distant relatives they ask, "What are you studying in school?". Whenever I quickly reply, "Arabic," there is a 50% chance that they will respond positively. In these instances, they usually mention how interesting and diverse my choice of major is...in a good way. They are usually curious to ask me why I made this choice to which I am always willing to reminisce about the trip to the Middle East that inspired me to pursue the Arabic language.

In other circumstances, sometimes the responses I get after identifying as an Arab & Islamic Studies major are not as positive and open-minded. I have often received sly remarks that I should choose a different major, or these same people are quick to ask, "Well, what do you intend to do with that?" Other times, I have received ignorant comments about the Arab world, such as how the Middle East is "barbaric", "centuries behind the rest of the world", how "all the people who live there are either terrorists or support terrorism", and noting how "all women of the Middle East are oppressed".

Being an Arabic major in a culture that is primarily uneducated about the Middle East has brought to light how little we actually know. Judging an entire culture by stereotypes is preposterous, and yet, I have seen too often than not the Arab world being criticized by stereotypes. Of course, I am not implying that everyone needs to pursue an Arab & Islamic Studies major in order to assert their opinions, but instead, I urge those who contain strong opinions about the Arab World should at least read a book on its history, culture, and traditions. Be open to opening your knowledge and educating yourself not on stereotypes but rather on facts and experiences of fellow Arabs.

Identifying as an Arab & Islamic Studies major might be "different", but it is also what makes me who I am. Its diverse traditions and customs open me to a new part of the world containing millions of people with all of their stories about what life is truly like. The Middle East's rich and diverse culture makes me excited to return one day, and that is why I am prepared to be an Arabic major despite the global community's general misconceptions about the Middle East and those who live there.