Humans of MoCo

However, regardless of these changes, MoCo will always be her home. Born in Rockville, she lived there for 5 years before moving to Iran for a year and then Dubai before returning home to MoCo, in Rockville at the age of 13.

“I’ve lived here for a long time since the eight-year gap; however, I don’t think much has changed. New buildings are built, and roads are fixed up. MoCo’s still the same; it’s so diverse. Culturally, scenery wise, city wise. It’s really got it all,” Paryavi said.

While living in Dubai, Paryavi had the opportunity to experience homeschooling. After finishing up elementary school (Dubai), my parents decided that homeschooling would allow me to get an education with the benefit of time. It allowed me to learn so many other skills aside from school necessities, and it also allowed me to take more courses and finish school in a shorter period of time.

​“After homeschooling, my family and I moved back to MoCo, and I went to high school here– at Churchill. There was a shock, since it had been three years since I had gone to a public school, and it took me a while to adjust; however, my time in high school ended up being pretty good. From there, I attended two years at the community college (MC) before attending the University of Maryland, College Park,” Paryavi said.

At UMD, Paryavi is currently majoring in Multi-platform Journalism with a minor in Computer Science.

“I’ve always loved writing and researching, and considering the fact so much of our time is being spent with technology by the day. My dream job is becoming a lawyer. And I do intend on becoming one in the future, however, for the moment, I really enjoy journalism, and I want to pursue a career in this field,” Paryavi said.
​
Fatemeh Paryavi is a passionate young student with big dreams and goals, she is recommends homeschooling to students and is open to staying in MoCo in the future.

However, the opportunity managed to find it’s way into his life as he is currently working as a staff member at Montgomery College (Rockville) Writing, Reading, and Language Center, where he works closely with students and faculty on a daily basis.

“When I was in elementary school, the teacher asked us what we wanted to be or do when we grew up. I remember not wanting to be a teacher or be in an educational setting. I simply couldn’t imagine being in school for longer hours than the students. Instead, I imagined being an astronaut, an air force pilot, a firefighter, or something that was considered “cool.” Fast forward to the present, and here I am. Now, I feel like I am able to utilize my unique experiences growing up to share with and empower others. I’ve been in higher education ever since I graduated high school (Northwest HS). Not only as a student, but as a student employee, and eventually, a staff member. Serving others, especially students, is one of the things I’ve become passionate about. Outside of that, I’ve also been a 3rd-grade teacher for a non-profit in Washington D.C. and an assistant high school football coach in the county (Blair HS),” Nguyen said.

Interestingly, Nguyen’s dream is to, “travel the world to meet all different kinds of people, educate and empower others, try new foods, and visit all the touristy spots, as well as unique locations not seen by many. Nguyen also added, “Overall, I’m passionate about developing people. I’ve been able to do that through teaching and coaching and would like to continue to explore avenues to do that in more significant ways. I feel that starting an organization or entrepreneurship is also something I can see myself venturing into, in the future.”

As a Vietnamese—American, Nguyen believes that based on the diversity that MoCo offers, Vietnamese immigrants would enter a welcoming community.

“I feel that Montgomery County is very diverse and central to everything. I would definitely recommend Vietnamese and others of different backgrounds to settle within the county. There are various Vietnamese restaurants sprinkled throughout the county and also organizations within the Vietnamese community that host events throughout the year. One of the staple events is the annual Lunar New Year Festival, known as Tết or Vietnamese New Year, which is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture. For the last several years, it has been hosted at Northwood High School,” Nguyen said.

Anthony Nguyen offered some advice to those struggling to find their passion, “Though I am still exploring and expanding my passions, I’ve been fortunate to taste some of the things that I love. I think it is one of the most fulfilling feelings to be able to do something you love, while positively contributing to individuals and the community around you. For those who don’t know what their passions are yet, find a variety of ways to involve in activities, events, or organizations that you are interested in. While doing so, eventually something will click, discovering your love. Once that is realized, then find ways to make a positive impact and share that with others. That’s the greatest way to live” Nguyen said.

“My sophomore year in high school, I took a shot at trying to make money with the thing I loved most. I charged a whopping $10/hour for family portrait sessions. I am now 20 years old and am so humbled to say I haven’t stopped, and my business has been so blessed,” Seager said.

At the beginning of her business, Seager had run into a roadblockbusiness license, but she refused to let that get in

“I don’t think many people were interested in a 16-year-old shooting their wedding. It turned out that was not legally liable to have a licensed business in Maryland at 16, but I did not accept that. I had my dad sign as if he owned the business until my 18th birthday. In the past 4 years, I have had the chance to meet some incredible entrepreneurs, young business owners, and photographers that have coached me along the way, with all the goodugly,” Seager said.

In the last few years since starting her business, Seager’s favorite part of the job is, “being different. I value the experience I have with those I work with. I try my hardest for “the process” of booking and scheduling with me to not be “business-y.” I hate that. I see value in every person I photograph, and I am not here to make money, I do this because I am called,” Seager said.
Seager’s photography consists of doing, almost any type of portrait, couples, weddings, families, and seniors

Katie Seager is a proud MoCo resident and is proud to be a professional photographer and able to achieve the success of her business.
​

“I know this job is not my forever. However, I am so grateful for what it has become. Looking back as I was 12, I could have never imagined this is where I would be now. I know who holds the future of my business, and for that, I am grateful,” Seager said.

“I think I been doing okay in radioI like what I am doing, and I work with good people. I like them, and I think they like me. We have fun,” Solomon said.

Solomon is a lifelong Montgomery County resident and has lived in such as places cornerswhere he was born, Wheaton, Bethesda and Silver Spring – where he currently resides.

“I lived in the same ten-mile radius my entire life. It’s nice, I have seen a lot of different neighborhoods and worked in various areas. You could spend your whole life in MoCo trto eat in every restaurant and not succeed. I love it here, which is why I stayed,” Solomon chuckled.
This past summer, Solomon decided to run for county council as one of the thirty – three democratic candidates.

“It [local politics] really interested me, and I didn’t know much about it, and I saw how much good they [politicians] do for the county and how much influence and power they could have to change things. Do good for the people. I thought if I ever made a little name for myself in radio, I’ll try to add that into my life. So, I tried, and it was very interesting and eye-opening. I learned a lot about various parts of local government and about the county and met a lot of wonderful people. It was a cool experience, that most people don’t choose to do,” Solomon said.

Steve Solomon hopes to continue his life in MoCo and to work as a radio host and producer. As a proud lifelong Moco resident and previous candidate for county council, Solomon offered some advice for anyone hoping to achieve their dreams.

“Whatever you’re interested in, just make sure you work hard at it. Find different avenues or ways to do it and get someone’s attention and how someone that you are able to do it,” Solomon said.

Since his time at Seneca Valley High school, He had dreamt of being in the Military and continuing his family’s dedication in service; until White found out that he had to be medically discharged due to his back, scoliosis and occulta spina bifida.

Dreams crushed, White returned home to Montgomery County and decided to take the next step of enrolling into Montgomery College and getting a local retail job, just as many other college students do.

As of now, White has been working in retail and in the fast food industry in MoCo for about four years.
“Working these jobs has definitely taught me people skills that are invaluable in any profession. I absolutely recommend these kinds of jobs for those people skills and for the fact that you definitely grow a thicker skin. Not everyone is going to be a candy-coated sugar plum in life,” said White.

Despite working retail and fast food all these years while maintaining his college education as a Communication Major, White discovered his newfound dream.

“My dream job is to work on the social media and broadcasting teams at Rooster Teeth based in Austin, Texas. They’re an online video and media company that have multiple large-scale productions including podcasting and feature-length films,” said White.
​

With big dreams and an upbeat attitude, White offered some thoughtful advice for those in a similar situation as he is:
“Just keep your chin up honestly. Life is difficult and throws you curveballs. Just brace for it with a positive attitude, and you’ll get through it all,” said White.

Before starting her Henna Business in MoCo, Naik had worked in an Indian catering business, a manager in a doctor’s office and started her own silver jewelry business which was shut down due to the recession. o matter how much Naik loved these jobs, she was most happy doing what she loved: being a henna artist.

It wasn’t until six years ago; Naik made a leap of faith in starting her own Henna business in Clarksburg, believing that Montgomery County will be good for entrepreneurswith MoCo’s rich diversity,people are more open to trying different things from other cultures, said Naik.

“When my husband’s friend asked me, what is the one thing you would do and never regret I blurted henna without a second thought…that’s when my husband supported me and asked me to start my very own henna business,” said Naik.

With the help of word of mouth and an article by the Washington Post, Naik’s Henna artist business flourished into success.

“I do all occasions Bat-mitzvahs, Birthdays, Ladies Nights, Brides, Grooms Family, Sangeets, Baby Showers, Bridal Showers, Belly Blessings and Henna crowns for cancer patients and some private appointments,” said Naik.

As Henna artist, mother and beloved family member. Juggling life for Naik can be hard.
“This is a difficult thing to do, on some days you are just an artist and some days you are a parent or a wife. No human can truly do justice to all their roles in society every day. My family understands the needs of my profession and have adjusted to my crazy schedules,” said Naik.

However, despite juggling her life, Naik loves her profession as an artist, and her work has brought positive energy into many of her client’s lives.
“My favorite part of my job is to be able to bring joy, happiness, and good juju to so many people and connecting with them, at an artistic and almost spiritual level. As a henna artist, I feel at peace and always in a trancelike spiritual place. I also feel blessed that I get to be part of everyone’s happiest moments in life,” said Naik.

While Naik’s business had flourished these last few years, Naik offered some advice for those interested in pursuing the art of henna. ​“The best advice for newbies in henna is that, it is a journey and practice makes progress, never feel disappointed with your own work when you see another accomplished artist, it just means that they have been on this journey longer and given many hours of practice to get better and you will get there eventually. I feel I still have a long way to go as an artist too,” said Naik.

Check out Bhavna’s Henna & Arts on her website or on Instagram!

“I think when you want to pursue music or any arts you should always have a backup plan, Business always seems super cool to me… because you can’t really drift away. It’s straightforward; I like that,” he said. Quintanilla plans to use his business degreeto secure his finance and to market himself in the music world. Quintanilla may be working towards a business degree, but he has his heart set on becoming a world-famous star.

As a full-timestudent also making time to work and practice music, Quintanilla considerers himself as a busy person “It’s hard sometimes, you get anxiety, and there’s so much to do. It’s all about time management and prioritieshe said. Iigh school, Quintanilla used to practice about  hours a day. Today, it’s closer toor twohours.

Quintanilla believes that being a musician is the hardest thing “You’re always thinking about it, always wanting to do it, in class, at work… Music makes moments more realistic than what it ishe said.Quintanilla’s passion drives him to keep going and persevereHis love for creating music is his ticket out of reality.

Every musician has their likes and dislikesQuintanilla hates competitions and has a slight fear of performing in public. “I like the attention, but I don’t like to be seenhe said.

Even thoug Quintanilla is pursuing a business degree in addition to his passion for music there are many othermusicians out there struggling to pursue music degrees. Quintanilla offeredsome advice for those struggling “Don’t worry so much; doors will open with music. You won’t have to open themhe advised. a high school senior, Quintanilla received admission to the chool of usic but was worried that he would fail without a backup degree.

In addition to studying and music, Quintanilla teaches guitar to kids at his church. “It’s a little nerve-wracking because the kids pick up your traits and I’m not a professional,” e said with a chuckle. Quintanilla calls his creationsO-pop,meaning Oscar-

According to Quintanilla, his music writing is often done at or whenever creativity strikes. “My goal is that I just want to make music, and be better than yesterday,” he said.

Oscar Quintanilla pires become a famous  with his musicalcreations of O-pop. His passion for business and music will help him achieve his dreams the music world.

Link to Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/oscarquintanilla