War, Hope and Resilience!

Growing up as a teenager in Tehran during the Iran-Iraq war shaped me in unimaginable ways. Amid brutality and chaos, we found resilience.

Every day was a struggle for survival. School, homework, and playing soccer filled our days until darkness fell, and the real terror began. The night skies brought Iraqi jets and missiles, turning every moment into a fight for life.

One vivid memory: the shattering windows during bombings. Glass transformed into lethal projectiles. In a bid to protect my community, I embarked on a venture, selling duct tape to prevent windows from shattering.

I walked Tehran’s longest street, full of hope, offering a solution to a shared problem. But reality hit hard — I didn’t sell a single roll of tape. It was my first taste of failure, but not my last lesson in perseverance.

I did not know then but later remembering those days and this experience reminded me vital lessons about entrepreneurship: adaptability, perseverance, and the importance of strategy. True entrepreneurs are not deterred by failure; they learn, adapt, and move forward.

Years later, sleeping in an attic in the USA, I realized the value of those lessons. Hardship and failure weren’t just obstacles; they were opportunities to learn, grow, and become stronger.

The war, my failed duct tape venture, and adapting to a new life in a new country taught me resilience, creativity, and the power of never giving up. These lessons have guided me through life’s ups and downs.

Embrace failure. Learn from it. Let your hardest times teach you the most valuable lessons. Resilience, creativity, and adaptability are your greatest assets in overcoming adversity.

From the war-torn streets of Tehran to new beginnings in the USA, every challenge I faced was a step toward becoming who I am today.

Remember, the path through adversity is tough, but it’s where we find our strength and our true selves. Keep pushing forward, keep learning, and never lose hope.