Post by UC San Diego

“There is something very powerful about making a new place feel like home. When I look around San Diego, I’m reminded of Syria. The coastline, the citrus trees, the small moments that bring me back. I carry Syria with me everywhere; it is always in my heart. I was born and raised in Damascus, and I’m grateful my parents gave me the opportunity to come to the United States. But when I arrived, I quickly learned that my experience didn’t easily translate. It took time, persistence and resilience to find my place. Eventually, I had the opportunity to teach Arabic and share my culture with U.S. Navy sailors. That experience was transformative. It deepened my understanding of who I am and showed me the power of connection across cultures. When I joined UC San Diego, I felt a strong sense that I was meant to be here, especially after discovering an unexpected connection to my family through a colleague. But I still felt something was missing: community. That changed during a Ramadan iftar, when a student told me she finally felt seen just by noticing me in my Arabic attire. That moment stayed with me. It reminded me how important visibility and belonging truly are. That’s what led me to help co-found the Arab American Faculty and Staff Association. I wanted others to know they are not alone, and that there is a place for them here. I am Syrian to the bones and a proud American. And through building community at UC San Diego, I feel like I’m helping others find a sense of home too.” -Sarab Aziz (She/Her), UC San Diego’s Department of History Events Coordinator #TritonStories #UCSanDiego