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My Story scaled

MY STORY IS ABOUT OVERCOMING TO BECOME A MULTI-DIMENSIONAL AND COMMUNITY-DRIVEN MEMBER OF THIS EARTH…

As Palestinian refugee born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq, Stripped of my humane and educational rights. I fought to redeem them and live to share my story. At the height of the Iraq war, I fled persecution from sectarian violence. By the United Nations, I was qualified a resettlement. This allowed accessibility to realize the dreams of the child that lay dormant within me. The experience of vulnerability fueled the energy to chase after my dreams. The struggle of overcoming and becoming guided me to leave this world a better place than I found it to be. I believe in goodness, education, and community. With this title and degree of mine, how can I power equity and opportunity?

Think global, act local to implement change.

The journey has made attaining my dreams more challenging, but not impossible. I transformed my sorrows into ambition that I continually celebrate through community building. Knowing the ever mounting challenges of displacement and violence this world is facing, I am sharing my story rooted in humanity and transparency- symbolizing how achieving your dreams in the midst of adversity is possible.

My journey to become a practicing dentist took over a decade and two Doctorates to complete. It started rough as a dental assistant.

In 2013, I received my first dental degree from The British university of Egypt, finished my residency at the Ministry of Health in Jordan where I practiced for about a year before moving to the United States of America. Once I arrived, I had to repeat the process, starting anew as a Dental Assistant for two years while finishing my dental boards before I was accepted to the University of Pennsylvania, where I graduated with a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry from an Ivy League school. I am now a practicing dentist in Los Angeles, a teaching faculty at UCLA, and a Dental environmental activist and advocating to change climate change through dentistry.

Throughout this process, I found gathering loved ones around food to be my grounding element. I grew up learning under the smell of delicious cooking emanating from the hands of my mother and grandmother. Learning about my homeland through names of spices I live on, to share this tradition, breaking bread and stereotypes over intimate conversations, and in the presence of warm company.

Another activity I found in search of grounding was Triathlons and signing up for challenging races. I find the hard work, dedication, and restless nights to be a life changing experience that push me beyond personally perceived limits and open my mind to new ways of thinking.

As I currently wait to receive my green card status, I am finding the natural adventures within the bounds of the United States to fuel my craving to experience the wonders of the world. Follow me on social media platforms to stay updated on my most recent adventures.

Throughout this process, I found gathering loved ones around food to be my grounding element. I grew up learning under the smell of delicious cooking emanating from the hands of my mother and grandmother. Learning about my homeland through names of spices and I live on to share this tradition. Breaking bread and stereotypes over intimate conversations and in the presence of warm company.

Another activity I found in search of grounding was cycling and signing up for challenging races. I find the hard work, dedication, and restless nights to be a life changing experience that push me beyond personally perceived limits and open my mind to new ways of thinking.

As I currently wait to receive my green card status, I am finding the natural adventures within the bounds of the United States to fuel my craving to experience the wonders of the world. Follow me @ TayyemEnas on instagram to stay updated on my most recent adventures.

What I Do

DENTIST

After 13 years of education, From Egypt, Jordan to graduating from an Ivy League School with honors in the Survivors of Torture program from the University of Pennsylvania, I’ve emerged as a dentist after enduring the trials of war and conflict. My journey is a testament to the unwavering strength of the human spirit and the power of resilience. From the shadows of conflict, I’ve risen, not only as a skilled dental professional but as a symbol of hope and transformation. With every patient I treat, I bring more than just oral care; I offer a new beginning, a chance to smile again, and a reminder that adversity can be overcome. My story is a living proof that with determination, dedication, and a relentless spirit, one can rebuild their life and contribute positively to society. As a dentist, I am not just mending smiles; I am mending the spirit of those who have faced adversity, one appointment at a time, in the land of opportunity where dreams are reborn.

CLINICAL AND BILINGUAL EDUCATOR IN ENGLISH AND ARABIC

Being a dental faculty member and having a social media platform is an opportunity to inspire the next generation. As part of this esteemed institution of UCLA, you have the privilege to shape the minds of eager students, instilling in them the knowledge and passion required for a successful dental career. The role extends beyond the classroom, fostering innovation and pushing the boundaries of dental science. Dedication and expertise make a lasting impact, not only on students but also on the future of dentistry itself.

ENVIRONMENTALIST​

As an environmentalist, I am not only focused on reducing Carbon footprint, by reducing waste, recycling and upcycling , I’m on a passionate mission to bridge the gap between oral health and the well-being of our planet. My journey is driven by a deep commitment to sustainability and a profound belief in the power of small changes to create a significant impact. With the dental chair as a platform, I strive to reduce waste, minimize carbon footprints, and promote eco-friendly practices within the dental profession. I believe that dentistry can be a force for positive change, and every patient I educate about green dental practices becomes a steward of a healthier planet. Together, we’re rewriting the narrative of dentistry, where caring for our world goes hand in hand with caring for our teeth, inspiring others to join the movement for a greener, more sustainable future.

TRIATHLETE AND CYCLING INSTRUCTOR

I’ve discovered a profound purpose beyond personal achievement. My journey is a testament to the incredible potential we all possess to make a positive impact in our communities. With each stroke in the water, each pedal push on the bike, and every stride in a race, I am driven by a passion for both fitness and philanthropy. I’ve harnessed my love for endurance sports to raise funds for non-profit organizations close to my heart, turning my personal fitness goals into a powerful force for good. Through grueling training sessions and countless miles on the road, I’ve shown that determination knows no bounds, and that the pursuit of excellence can be a means to uplift those in need. Join me on this inspiring journey where every race is a chance to make a difference, and where together, we’re not just achieving personal records, but creating positive change that ripples far beyond the finish line.

COMMUNITY PROGRAMMER
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I’ve dedicated my life to building bridges between Academia, non-profit organizations, refugees, and the world of sports. My journey is a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and the boundless potential of human connection. Through my work, I’ve harnessed the synergy of diverse communities to create meaningful change. Teaching at UCLA has allowed me to inspire the next generation with the belief that education is a catalyst for progress. Simultaneously, my involvement in sports has shown that teamwork, discipline, and perseverance are universal languages that transcend barriers.

I’ve tirelessly striven to provide refugees with opportunities for empowerment and integration, leveraging the incredible resilience and untapped potential within these communities. By weaving these threads together, I’ve crafted a narrative of hope, resilience, and unity. Together, we are proof that when we bridge the gaps, we can build a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

​CHEF

As a Palestinian refugee, my culinary journey is a celebration of heritage, flavor, and resilience. I’ve embarked on a path that honors the rich traditions and stories of my Palestinian roots through the art of food. With each dish I create, I not only bring authentic flavors to the table but also weave a narrative of cultural pride and connection.

My culinary artistry is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, our passion can flourish. I’ve turned the kitchen into a canvas where I paint with spices, herbs, and family recipes, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Palestinian cuisine. Through my craft, I aim to break down barriers, fostering understanding and unity, one delicious meal at a time.