Curiosity has always been at the core of who I am, shaping how I view the world and navigate life. Growing up in Morocco, a country brimming with history, culture, and diversity, I was immersed in a mosaic of stories and traditions that ignited my imagination and nurtured my love for learning. From an early age, books became my gateway to understanding the vastness of human experience, offering me endless opportunities to explore new ideas and perspectives.

I was fascinated by the way stories could transport me to distant times and places while simultaneously revealing universal truths about humanity. This innate curiosity and desire to make sense of the world naturally led me to study political science—a field that seeks to understand how societies organise themselves, how power is distributed, and how identities are shaped within complex social systems.

However, as I delved deeper into political science, I quickly realised that politics is anything but one-dimensional. It is not confined to governments or political ideologies alone but deeply intertwined with other dimensions of human existence. Politics intersects with history, culture, philosophy, and even the arts in ways that profoundly shape societies and individual lives. This realisation compelled me to venture beyond the boundaries of traditional political theory. I began to explore literature, music, and other disciplines, discovering how they reflect and influence the political landscape.

Works of fiction, for instance, often reveal the unspoken anxieties of a society, while music and art can serve as powerful tools of resistance or solidarity. These intersections have not only enriched my understanding of political dynamics but have also deepened my appreciation for the complexity of human existence. My Moroccan heritage has been a central part of this intellectual and personal journey. Morocco, with its unique blend of Arab, Amazigh, African, and Mediterranean influences, offers a rich tapestry of cultural traditions and perspectives.

Growing up in such a vibrant environment provided me with a deep awareness of the importance of diversity and a keen sense of how culture shapes identity. This cultural grounding has been a constant source of inspiration, fueling my curiosity and motivating me to explore how different societies grapple with questions of belonging, governance, and justice. One of the aspects I find most fascinating about my Moroccan identity is the way it embodies a crossroads of civilisations. Morocco’s historical role as a bridge between Africa and Europe, its status as a meeting point of various cultures, and its layered past—all of these elements have profoundly influenced how I see the world.

These experiences have taught me to value pluralism and to approach issues with an open mind, always seeking to understand the nuances and complexities of a given situation. This perspective has been invaluable in my academic pursuits, where I have learned to appreciate the interconnectedness of seemingly disparate fields and ideas. In my studies, I’ve found that examining the intersections between politics and other disciplines has been particularly rewarding. Similarly, analysing the role of cultural narratives in shaping political identities has helped me understand how deeply rooted beliefs and traditions influence modern policy decisions.

These interdisciplinary inquiries have reinforced my belief that to truly understand the world, one must look beyond surface-level explanations and consider the broader historical, cultural, and social contexts that shape human behaviour. Ultimately, my journey has taught me to embrace complexity and to seek connections between diverse ideas, always guided by a sense of curiosity and a desire to engage meaningfully with the world.

My Moroccan heritage has provided me with a strong foundation, while my interdisciplinary explorations have expanded my horizons, enabling me to appreciate the richness of our shared humanity. As I continue to learn and grow, I remain committed to using my curiosity as a driving force for understanding, connection, and positive change.