Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Masa Hashem. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Masa with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Looking through my early memories I remember immigrating to the United States at the age of 4. My dad, Omeir, was a doctor overseas and my mom was on the cusp of finishing a business degree. When we arrived in the United States, they had to start over. My parents struggled daily trying to create a better life for their family, to include my younger sisters Mira and Maya. My dad went on to get a Masters in Maternal Health from Tulane University and my mom, a cosmetology degree all while providing for and caretaking three girls that were 4 and under. Our parents were examples of building yourself from nothing.
They would continuously instill within us that the pursuit of knowledge/ education is something that will provide stability and security within our own futures. My dad and mom would reinforce this by telling us stories of their own family systems.
One of my dad’s favorite stories was about how is his parents sold bananas to provide for him and his siblings. My grandparents were not educated and they instilled this want for betterment within their children. My dad was 1 of 12 children. They created a family trust that was utilized to finance each siblings college education. He and his siblings pursued medical, engineering and teaching degrees. This generational legacy of betterment and increased ability to provide continues to be instilled.
My mom is 1 of 7. Her dad was the first Dentist in their city of origin and her mother pursued a teaching degree and opened up an elementary school.
The mentality of approaching life through this want for betterment and of being able to provide for self/ family has been instilled within my value system and within the approaches I take in the choices I have made.
Another factor in my work ethic, is the self-imposed sense of obligation. I am obligated to my loved ones, my colleagues and my patients to approach everything I do with the utmost care and diligence. My hundred percent may not be the same every time but approaching things with my best effort is important as there is a ripple effect.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Think Tank Counseling is a family owned business. Our mission is to provide quality and accessible care. We believe that individuals have unique needs and backgrounds. That is why our team focuses on competencies in culturally diverse backgrounds, evidenced based theoretical orientations, and providing care in different languages. We currently offer therapy in English, Spanish, Arabic, Urdu and Hindi 7 days a week and in both tele-health and in person platforms. As a clinical team we meet for weekly consultations to provide both clinical, cultural and religious insights allowing for each of our clients to gain the experience of the collective.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Persistency, humility, and being accepting of change. One thing that has been an advantage is my innate tendency to be persistent. It is also knowing when it starts to border on being stubborn and that is where I believe my humility balances this out. I know I do not know it all and have so much to learn from others. Being open to feedback and discerning how to best apply insights is important. It is a balance of being willing to learn and change but also not getting lost in the noise. One thing that I have probably had the most difficulty with is adapting to change. I would kick and scream when change would occur. Adapting to change has been a skill that I have had to learn. Accepting that change is a constant of life was something that has become advantageous within the Think Tank. Think Tank at its core is a meeting of the minds at all levels. We collaborate with our clients, their providers, our practitioners, and administrative team.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
While my parents tried to make sure that we did not feel like we were missing anything I think the most impactful thing they have done for us is struggle and figure out ways to get through their struggle. Their persistency and resilience through the adversities they have experience is a skill that I have acquired and try to apply in my daily endeavors.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thinktankcounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thinktankcounseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thinktankcounseling
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/think-tank-counseling/
Image Credits
Sonay Nicole Photography http://sonaynicole.squarespace.com
