farah
may 9, 2017
Incredibly shy when I first met her, Farah really opened herself up the year we met. She lived across the hall from me in our dorm, and l got to learn — much to everyone’s surprise — that Farah could go from 0 to 100 in an instant. She’s fun and wild and outgoing, but she is also very self-reflective. She cares about her family, friends, and issues around her, and she continually evaluates herself, her values and what she believes in. Farah was easy to open up to; easy to have deep and extensive conversations with, perhaps because I felt as though many of our experiences in life overlapped. Whether we were speaking about our parents, our individual religions, our families’ immigrant experiences, our shared home of Mississauga or the many, many other topics we discussed at the darkest hours of the night, Farah was (and continues to be) a valuable friend. Her shoot showcases two sides of her style and personality. I asked her about what she’s passionate about and how she believes in living her life.
foreword
Describe your style.
“So I wear a lot of black. Definitely a statement piece is a black leather jacket… I like muted colours. My style is pretty casual, but I like to dress it up with rings or chokers. Anything I can wear boots or sneakers with. [Overall] it’s pretty casual.”
What’s your philosophy in life?
“My philosophy in life is to be a caring, empathetic, compassionate person. Try and be the best version of myself every day. Also to be a student of the world — trying [to] learn something new… and embracing the fact that we’re all learning [from our mistakes] and growing. [And] really [learn from] the people you’ve met and add that to your character. Make it something you build on [to] be a better, stronger, kinder person.”
What are you passionate about?
“I think I’m most passionate about social issues. I get really passionate talking about it and having discussions to find solutions [and] bringing awareness to those situations. [Also] looking at both sides to formulate better judgement. I guess I’m [also] passionate about artistic things [too] like fashion and makeup. I don’t dress to the nines every day but I do [still like it.] I also like to sing… [and] I’m a passionate friend. I’ll do anything for my friends and family. I’m [always] their biggest cheerleader.”
If there’s any social justice issue out there that really fires you up when you talk about it, what would it be?
“What’s happening with the refugees. It’s all over the world… and it’s been happening for years. I remember I went to a protest for what was happening in Palestine a few years ago. And that was really nice to see a collective group of people there for the same reasons, rallying and showing a lot of care and passion, bringing awareness. To be a part of that reminds [me] why I’m here and invested in these issues.”