Architect looking to build his life.

Have you ever noticed that who a person is depends upon where that person came from? There is a western idea of individualism that seems to pit person against person. Ask a man in New York and he will likely respond with a list of his accomplishments. I’m John, I graduated from Yale with political science, and I am a stock broker! This answer most likely spoken with pride, there is almost an aura of arrogance in his demeanor. However, ask an Italian in a village near Verona who he is and he will most likely respond with his name followed by that of his father. The assumption is that whatever his fathers reputation may be, he will bear it, good or bad. This man relates his own identity to that of his family. The Italian is a member of a whole. Something many people can not understand. So where do I fall? Somewhere in between I guess. My name is Otta, my father is Haj Ismail. When I graduated high school I only applied to one university. That was The Ohio State University, a school I had grown to love. I was born and raised in Columbus, my family is here, I had no desire or plan to move away from them. I am Palestinian American. My heritage, culture, and religion are all huge parts of my life. I am Muslim, I have never tasted alcohol, I have never done any drugs. Being Muslim does not make me some crazed lunatic with homicidal plans. I am a person, just like any other. I want to establish myself and raise a family. Those are my most realistic goals.