Hello, Ms./Mr.
My name is Rula Shahin, and I am currently in my seventh semester at the University of Phoenix
campus in Orange County. I live in Fountain Valley but previously resided in San Diego.
Moving from San Diego to Orange County has been a unique experience, filled with new
opportunities and adventures.
My family is wonderfully diverse, consisting of two girls and two boys (myself, my sister, and
my two brothers). My older sister was previously married and is a mother to three wonderful
kids. My brother is married and has two adorable children. Meanwhile, my younger brother is
single and devotes his time to his work as a chemistry professor at Fullerton College.
Likewise, in our family, pets hold a special place. While I own none, my sister's adorable cat,
Canelé, recently passed away. They welcomed a beautiful husky named Bali into their home to
fill the void. My younger brother and his family have a lovely cat named Fluffy and a feathered
companion. As for my other brother, who happens to be a professor, his loyal canine companion
Brownie, a charming Goldendoodle, brings immeasurable joy and love to our bustling
household. Our lives often feel like a lively zoo within the Shahin Crew!
During my leisure time, I strive to embrace life fully. For me, immersing myself in music and
cinema is pure joy. Some of my favorite films include "Where Hope Grows" and "Mon Amour,"
and I have a deep affection for the Turkish song "Belalim" by Mahsun Kirmizigul. Exploring
different cuisines at various restaurants is another passion of mine. I particularly relish the
experience of dining at establishments such as Benihana for a Japanese steakhouse feast, as well
as The Boiling Crab, Lotus Chinese Eatery, and Istanbul Grill Mediterranean Restaurant &
Catering, where I can savor an incredible array of delectable dishes.
Regarding travel, some of the places I would like to visit in the future include Belgium,
Switzerland, Cyprus, Greece, and Turkey. We stayed at the Hotel Auteuil Tour Eiffel for two
days, then went to the train station in Marseille, where we met my sister and her son Yazan.
Then, in the north of France, we went to see the two old villages called Tourrettes-sur-Loup and
Saint Paul de Vence.
In Nice, we visited the old market and beach. We also went to the old village called
Villefranche-sur-Mer. Nice, the capital of the Alpes-Maritimes department on the French
Riviera, sits on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges. Founded by the Greeks and later a
retreat for the 19th-century European elite, the city has long attracted artists. Former resident
Henri Matisse is honored with a career-spanning collection of paintings at Musee Matisse.
Musee Marc Chagall features some of its namesake's major religious works.
Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the
French Riviera, a few kilometers west of the Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe, on the
Mediterranean Sea. It is a semi-enclave bordered by France to the north, east, and west. The
principality is home to 38,682 residents, of whom 9,486 are Monegasque nationals. It is
recognized as one of the wealthiest and most expensive places in the world. The official
language is French, but Monegasque, English, and Italian are spoken and understood by many
residents. We visited the old market and beach and went to the old village called Villefranche-
sur-Mer.
During our trip to Paris, Marseille, and Belgium, I was accompanied by my mother, Dina, my
youngest brother, Mohammed, his friend Richard, and my sister with her two children, Melanie
and Yazan. Our first day in Paris was spent visiting historical areas, including Champs Elysees,
Sacre Coeur, Eiffel Tower, and Le Pont Neuf. On the first day in Marseille, in the north of
France, we all stayed at an Airbnb. In these two old historical villages, Tourrettes-sur-Loup and
Saint Paul de Vence, they grow cacti, figs, olive trees, and flowers and have a beautiful waterfall.
On the third day, we visited the beach at Cannes, a resort town on the French Riviera. We
walked along the Boulevard de la Croisette, lined with sandy beaches, upmarket boutiques, and
palatial hotels. We also visited the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès, where the international
film festival occurs. We took pictures of cartoon characters and famous actors and actresses,
such as Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, and Will Smith. It was a nice place to walk on
the corniche. My sister bought a T-shirt for my youngest brother, and we enjoyed some Gelato
Italiano.
On the fourth day, we visited Grasse, a town in the hills north of Cannes known for its long-
established perfume industry. We visited the Musee International de la Parfumerie and toured
large perfumeries such as Fragonard, Molinard, and Galimard. We also visited Grasse Cathedral,
which contains many paintings, including some by Rubens.
One interesting fact about me is that I am an excellent multitasker. I excel at meeting deadlines,
assuming leadership roles, and helping teams achieve their goals. I can work independently and
proactively, and I understand the importance of protecting private information and the resources
and social services available in the neighborhood.
The traits I possess are determination, adaptability, empathy, organization, and proactivity,
which play out in the following ways:
Determination to achieve goals.
Adaptability to thrive in different environments.
Empathy for building solid relationships.
Organization to stay on top of tasks.
Proactivity to stay ahead of the game.
Additionally, I possess:
Creativity for innovative problem-solving: My creativity enables me to think outside the
box and develop innovative solutions to complex problems. This trait helps me approach
challenges from unique angles, leading to effective and often unexpected solutions.
Resilience to overcome setbacks: Resilience allows me to bounce back from failures and
setbacks with renewed energy and determination. This trait ensures that I remain
steadfast and focused, even in the face of adversity.
Leadership to inspire and guide others: My leadership skills enable me to inspire,
motivate, and guide others towards shared goals. I lead by example, fostering a
collaborative and positive work environment where everyone feels valued and
empowered.
Critical thinking for informed decision-making: My critical thinking skills help me
analyze situations thoroughly and make well-informed decisions. This trait ensures that
my choices are logical, strategic, and aligned with my long-term objectives.
Communication for clear and effective interactions: Effective communication is essential
for conveying ideas, resolving conflicts, and building understanding. My ability to
communicate clearly and persuasively enhances my interactions and ensures that my
message is understood by diverse audiences.
These traits collectively contribute to my personal and professional success, enabling me to
navigate challenges, build meaningful relationships, and achieve my goals with confidence.
My professional background includes working as a salesperson at Macy's, where I gained
extensive experience. This experience reinforced my belief in the significance of applying
management and leadership concepts in the workplace. Relating business concepts to my
experiences at Macy's has provided me with a practical, real-world context for better
understanding when studying these concepts in class.
I am excited about expanding my understanding of ethical and legal topics in business through
this new course. I hope to gain insights that I can apply not only in my future career but also in
my personal life. My goal is to improve my critical thinking skills and gain a better
understanding of the ethical considerations in business decisions.
