Explore what it means to hold on to who you are in a world that asks you to shrink. What's possible when we are no longer silent? Leena Sarhan is a junior at Boston University pursuing a dual degree in Human Physiology and Journalism with plans to attend medical school. A first-generation Palestinian-American, she is passionate about trauma-informed care and advocating for marginalized communities affected by systemic inequities. She aims to combine clinical practice with storytelling to amplify underrepresented voices and promote health equity and patient-centered care. Currently, Leena is a research assistant at Boston Medical Center, focusing on health disparities. Alongside her academic and professional work, she is an avid reader and a tatreez practitioner, engaging in the traditional Palestinian art of embroidery as a meaningful connection to her heritage. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx