To most, the words “Persian” and “Jewish” seem almost completely opposite, but to me, its what defines my heritage. The Jewish State of Israel is on the verge of war with Iran, and yet I’m part of both. Despite their differences, their parenting style makes a surprisingly fluid combination — one that sometimes almost drowns me!

“Yo, it’s King Kwong and Hwangalongchong. We’re so cool we made an awesome song,” were the first lines in our video that launched a (very-semi) professional rapping career consisting of three ingredients: creativity, fun and swag.

I almost died that day and so quickly — it seemed like it was only minutes from the moment when I fell on the concrete to the operating room.