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I was recently chatting with my university friend Naomi, who explained to me how challenging living as a black woman in New York City has been for her. When I told her that I could identify with her discontent, she looked at me perplexed, perhaps even emotionally wounded as if I had
responded in a mocking tone. "But you're white!" she cried. I shook my head at Naomi's insensitivity and reminded her that despite appearances, I am a first-generation JAP (Jewish American Persian).

You know, there are numerous problems I face everyday as a JAP. First of all, people expect me to be an expert on Middle Eastern affairs because of my diverse background, yet my main source for current events is E! News. Moreover, whenever an application requires me to indicate my race on it, I become perturbed over checking the "Caucasian" or "Other" box.
Additionally, my appearance often sparks a inquisitiveness in people during random situations: for example, a couple years ago when I went to get my passport picture, the lady who had taken my photo blurted out, "Are you Asian?" No, I thought, my eyes just get squinty like Renee
Zellweger's when I smile.

Furthermore, growing up in a New Jersey suburb (coincidentally, the same town where Bravolebrities Patti Stanger and Rachel Zoe grew up) I struggled to fit in with my Abercrombie and Fitch-clad peers who would make fun of me — whether it was for wearing a yarmulke and carrying a tzedakah box around school, or bringing my mother's homemade khoresht (a
Persian stew) for lunch. So, like most socially awkward adolescents, after school I would watch TV, since the only person who called to hang out with me was Nicole, the girl with Tourette's Syndrome, who once attempted to pick off my eyelashes.

As a teenager my favorite channel was Bravo, where I was instantly drawn to the stylish reality shows, such as Queer Eye, which taught me essentials like how to correctly pluck my unibrow. Now, five years later, I am not only watching Bravo but also interning in their development and production department. It's been a wonderful first month so far, and while I still struggle to overcome awkward moments in my life, I feel like I've finally found my niche at Bravo. Stay tuned for my next blog post and "Watch What Happens."