It’s officially release day! My book is out and available to anyone across the world, in a multitude of formats, including audio and electronic. I’m so excited for you all to read and listen to my words!

Last night, I was able to mark this occasion by being the keynote speaker at the Intercollegiate Poetry Festival, hosted by Mass Poetry. As a board member, it was incredible to see the work we are doing and how impactful it is. I left feeling energized about our mission and vision. I was moved by the talent and emotion that the young people we serve had in their messages and stories. I’m thrilled that I can play a role in making moments like this happen.

It was also surreal to realize how much time has passed and how much I’ve grown. I remember being one of those students at events like this. I loved hearing poems but truthfully, I longed to hear myself and my story on those stages. Years later, after presenting my work, I had students come up to me and tell me they felt seen. That my Arabic made them feel like my poems were just for them. That my stories of science and art inspired them to be better future physicians. An audience from a multitude of backgrounds could connect with my work and take something with them. I know I’m supposed to be good with words, but nothing can capture how much that meant to me. That was such a victory.

For a long time, I just wanted to be someone noteworthy. Then, I said let me try to become what younger me needed. After last night, I realized I’m that person now. I am who I said I was going to be. And now it’s time to get to work. I respect the process. Let’s get it!

I’d love it if you could purchase Staying Right Here and give it a read. Thank you!