Over the years, I have heard absolute horror stories of people that simply cannot stand their roommates. I was completely shocked to find out just how common it is for roommates to not get along, go a whole semester without talking, and ignore each other at all costs.

I get sad when I don't see my roommate for two days.

To be completely honest, if it weren't for her, I probably would not enjoy Stony Brook as much as I do. Some may call our close relationship unexpected or uncommon because of our different cultural backgrounds, be we are a lot similar than most people think.

When most people see the words "Palestine" and "Israel" in the same sentence, there is usually a sense of apprehension or unease. I am going to calm your nerves right now before you read on: this is not that type of article. Getting political is not my intention, however, I would like to highlight a few important beliefs of mine. I don't necessarily agree with everything that is going on in the Palestine-Israel area, and I am certain that there are people that might not agree with what I believe in, and that is completely valid. My point is that this is not an issue of who is "right" or "wrong." There is far too much hatred and hostility regarding this topic in mainstream media, and frankly, it is just unnecessary.

My friends and I have discussed our different views in politics multiple times, and not once has it ever ended in violence, hatred, or hard feelings.

I have nothing but love for them and I know they have nothing but love for me, and this is the type of thinking that I think most people need to utilize in order to achieve a more peaceful and pleasant future.

I will admit, going into college, I was a little worried that I would not get along with my roommate or be as close because of our different beliefs... and boy was I way off. Oddly enough, I find that our backgrounds have actually brought us CLOSER together. We bond over things like not eating pork, incorporating Hummus into everything, and watching "Don't Mess With the Zohan" until we laugh so hard that Fizzy Bubblech comes out of our nose. We even have similar words in our languages (Arabic and Hebrew) like "ayn" for eye and "baet" for house.

Being at Stony Brook and surrounding myself with different cultures and people of different backgrounds is something I am so grateful for.

I love that everyone is so inviting and is able to welcome people with open arms. Being open-minded is something that I value greatly, and I think the world would really benefit if people didn't always have a pessimistic or cynical outlook going into a discussion of different beliefs. I don't expect the whole world to hold hands around a campfire and sing "Kumbaya," but I am hopeful for the future in that our problems will not always lead to unnecessary violence. My roommate has taught me so much and I am so grateful to have her in my life.

I love you, habibi <3.

I pray for peace in the Middle East.