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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at American chapter.

Meet one of AU Photo Collective’s most adorned photographers! She has photographed some of the most influential people at American and has an eye for the camera.

Name: Meriam Salem

Year: Sophomore

Major: International Studies with a focus in development and human rights, and a minor in Communications

Hometown: Bay Area, California

Favorite food: Macaroni and cheese Wednesday at TDR and pizza!

Something you’re proud of: This is a really odd fun fact, but in high school I met Bettie Mae Fikes, who’s a freedom singer. We were on this important trip together and she didn’t have her deodorant. I was so nervous to meet her, but had a new travel size one, so I gave it to her and she used it in front of me. We were at this really fancy hotel with congressional leaders and then she gave it back to me and we laughed about it. That moment, it’s not something that you can be prideful about because the moral of the story is humility, but it reminded me that we exist in a world of turmoil- who and what makes the difference aren’t the people that speak louder than everyone else, or have closets full of suits- the people who make a difference are the one’s with the most to lose, but stay humble, kind, and loving despite the odds. For to me to be nervous when I first met her shows that we live in a time that respect is shown through fear, but in reality the people who deserve respect from you the most are the one’s who you know have been through a lot and have done a lot, but can still laugh with you. I am working on carrying that lesson throughout my life. 

Hobbies: Photography

Work and campus activities: I do a lot, luckily, I can still count all of them on two hands- it was one hand as of January, but alas, now I’m at two hands

If you could change one thing on campus: If I could change one thing at AU; I’d have a 100 different people yell at me for not choosing what they think should be changed at AU. Which I find is a problem. Everyone’s trying to one up each other whether in academics, hobbies and activism. It’s not until you step off campus and visit another college that you realize we live in this competitive bubble. It’s okay not to know everything about anything; that’s why we are here. It’s also okay to support other causes and organizations, but instead of using the noun ally all the time – expand your vocabulary, use some verbs. #Thanks. 

 

Photo Credits: Meriam Salem

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Samah is junior at American University, with an eccentric laugh and optimisic demeanor. She is bilingal and pursuing a degree in Arabic World Studies. She hopes to continue writing for Her Campus, wherever life may take her. Her hobbies include: cleaning, dancing, reading, eating, and folding laundry. You can follow her on Twitter @Samaoas.
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