Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe Zakhour.
Chloe, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am 21 years old. I am currently a Communication major at the University of San Diego. I have seen cities crippled by war, monuments only read about in textbooks and been surrounded by people of every color, ethnicity, and religion. My mother is South African and my father is from Lebanon. He was a member of the militia at fifteen and was raised during a civil war. I have family on three continents with different traditions, perspectives, and values. Culture is my heritage and I am lucky to have such diversity in my familial lines. My family persevered through bombs, protests, and prejudice. I thought we were invisible. I discovered no one is safe from death, disease or heartache, and true strength is in surviving what life throws at you. Maturity is not a protective shield from heartache. My family is more than multicultural, we are survivors of the world.
Being strong is especially important right now for my family because the past two months have been especially devastating. My father, my hero, my soul—passed away on December 22, 2018, at the age of 56. His death was sudden and totally unexpected. I am the oldest of four children, my brother the youngest at age nine. On the day of his death, he drove to and from his job in Los Angeles, a 12 hour work day. His dedication, sacrifice, and love cannot be fully described, it was simply that great. My father was the only source of income to provide for my large family. We are simply lost emotionally and financially. Being the oldest, I have always felt guided to be a leader. I stepped up and created a go get funding campaign to help my family proceed into the future. Holding my family together alongside my amazing mother is truly stressful and traumatizing in moments, but I know it is what must be done and I do it with pride. I looked to my father for safety. He was the one who provided comfort and stability in every aspect of life. I know this is my time to be a leader.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has been extremely rocky. The highs have been high and the lows have been low. But I will say, everything in life happens for a reason. I am truly blessed. If something does not work out, it’s meant not too. A bigger door will open. Advice to woman especially, we are underestimated. Do not underestimate your abilities. We are the strongest creatures emotionally on this planet. I am blown away by the capacity of not only myself but my mother, my sisters and my grandmother, who is 90 years old and had to bury her youngest son. Tragedy and hardship enter our lives in order to teach us deeper lessons. We must choose light instead of darkness. We must rise.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Currently, I am a Communication major at the University of San Diego. I am a junior and loving my experience. I am the proudest of my strength during this period of time. I am also so proud of my activism in spreading the word for my family and our campaign. I am also assisting my mother with anything she needs and helping her pick up our small family business called Worldnet Computers, selling computer parts and IT services!
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Without a doubt. My childhood, culture, and upbringing have set me apart. I view life through a different lens than others. I can relate, acknowledge and appreciate other cultures and economic backgrounds. I have had it all and I have lost it all, in the span of 21 years. I hope to carry my character farther into greater success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gogetfunding.com/zakhour-family/
- Email: czakhour@sandiego.edu
- Instagram: @chloezakhour
Image Credit:
@chloezakhour
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