Float like a Butterfly Sting like a Bee

By Daryl Tyler

Safaa Kaddoura is a motion picture of relaxation. Her presence is radiative, and the energy she walks with is soothing. The San Francisco native is unfazed about life after college, but she is alert to the disadvantages that she will face in the future.

During her 22 years of life, Kaddoura has had her fair share of obstacles. In fact, her personal story is quite an emotional one; she was born hard of hearing and had to wear a Cochlear implant, as a baby she lost her mother due to cancer, and last year she changed her major from psychology in general to focus on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy because she felt that route best served her and her curiosity. Here, I speak with the NorCal native about school, her dream job, life in the LA Valley compared to the Bay area, and where she sees herself five years from now. 

Daryl: Where are you born and raised? What is the difference between North Cal to LA Valley in your experience?

Safaa: I was born and raised in Northern California, also known as the Bay Area. I grew up there for my whole life until 2018 when I moved to Northridge for college. I can tell you that living in Southern California is different than living in the bay area. People are more respectful in the Bay. My whole family lives there. Also, the environment settings are so much different, NorCal has more nature and mountains and forests while Southern California doesn't have much of them and most of them are all desert.

Daryl: Can you describe your personality in 5 words?

Safaa: I would describe my personality as a compassionate, open-minded, enthusiastic, loyal, and ingratiating sense of humor. I feel my family and friends would agree as well (thinking to herself for a second), yeah, they will agree. 

Daryl: One thing I notice about you is how high your emotional intelligence is. You are very aware of your emotional state and seem to make the best decision through them. At what age did you start to process your emotions so well and how did you think it would benefit you for life post-grad?

Safaa: I believe I started to get more self-aware about my emotional state when Covid impacted me and I was turning 20. It was a rough journey, but it was all worth it. I feel like it will benefit me a lot after I graduate because that way, I can make my choices with decisions a lot better. I can also learn and accept that things do not always work out the way I want them and try another way. I usually take a while to process everything before moving forward to make sure I go fully transparent with it.

Daryl: At a young age, you lost your mother. How did losing your mom impact your perspective on life?

Safaa: I lost my mother when I was a baby. It definitely does impact my life a lot knowing that I grew up without a mother's love. I have so many mother roles in my life, and I am super grateful for them to guide me through. Often, a lot of people say I have my mother's beauty and her kindness in me. I feel like she is still part of me. I may not experience a mother's love but one day, I will be able to understand mother's love once I have kids on my own.

Daryl:  How have you grown during your time at CSUN and what are some of your favorite memories?

Safaa: I grew up so much while being at CSUN. I grew up to become more independent. I grew up becoming more confident in myself. I grew up becoming comfortable with being on my own. I am grateful that I met amazing people throughout my college life and without them, I would not become the person I am right now. I did a lot of self-reflection and I changed so much for the better for myself and other people. We are meant to evolve.

Daryl: What is your major and what made you decide to go that route?

Safaa: Funny, because I just recently decided on ABA therapy last year. Originally, I was a biology major and switched to psychology in general and last year I felt ABA therapy was a fit for me. After a conversation with a cousin of mine who works in ABA therapy, the excitement she had for her job was inspirational. The work is more hands-on. I could work one on one with deaf children and provide families with private activities to help the language barrier. Which is a huge difference rather than sitting and listening, therapy for mental health just did not provide the spark for me.

Daryl: Can you describe what you hope your life will look like 5 years from now?

Safaa: Where I see myself five years later is being able to have my career working as an ABA therapist in Southern California surrounded by incredible people. I can see myself being happy and being my own person. And hopefully, I would be able to find a place where I will be truly happy with myself and maintain my relationships with family & friends. I want to support my dad more since he gave me so many things. I know life post-college will have its ups and downs. I could float like a butterfly or get stung by a bee, (laughter) but I am ready for the next chapter of my life.