you are my chosen family. You gave me so much inspiration, love, strength and sense of belonging. I also am grateful for my small group of Iranian friends in San Diego, with whom I shared the complexity of immigration, and integrating in a new country while celebrating our cultural identity. My family are my roots. No matter how far we live from one another, we are deeply connected. This reminds me of Rumi's poem "Maybe you are searching among the branches, for what only appears in the roots." Mina and Davood, my dear parents, you keep teaching me faith, hard work, love, and integrity. You empowered me to become a strong independent woman but reminded me to keep love and care for others at my core. There is no word I can express my gratitude for you. Andisheh, you are not just my beautiful sister; you are my best friend, my jix! Your love is with me everywhere in every step. We may live in two different hemispheres, but we nourish from the same source. Having you in my life is the evidence of a dream coming true. I couldn't begin to imagine my life without you. I thank you, Soheil and Belfie for being part of my journey. Arash, you are a loving partner and best friend. You made the last two years of graduate school much smoother with bringing good music, laughter, and many magical moments into my life. I am so thankful for all that you taught me, challenged me, and inspired me to be, and for constantly reminding me of my strength and capacities. I would like to end x by thanking my best furry friend, Charlie, who patiently sat with me through many hours of reading and writing and made the flow of my work soft and silky filled with love. x TABLE OF CONTENTS