For as long as I can remember, it was always a constant battle for survival...hunger was our close friend...

My childhood was simple, as is most of life in our community. And for many years, it was all I knew, all I needed...

My dad was an engineer for a federal contractor and my mom was a homemaker. We ended up having to move around a lot, but eventually...

My parents taught us to work hard, help our neighbors and be respectful of others. My mum worked in an office and...

Growing up, I always felt that I was a bit different. I was fascinated by other girls—their outfits, their beauty, their spirit...

I was born...in Bulgaria to immigrant parents...I was the oldest daughter, with a Turkish father who was a Muslim and a Jewish mother...