Setareh Profile

My parents married at sixteen and my father joined the Navy early, with the permission of his parents.  I grew up very poor; I remember the black and white boxes of “government” cheese and foods.  I hung my head in shame every time I paid with food stamps, peeping around to see if any of my friends were nearby, looking on.  We lived in the projects and we received free lunches.  Fast forward.  I married, had two beautiful children, went to nursing school at Emory University, later, joined the Navy and went to medical school at Morehouse.  I had the privilege of serving with the Marines two tours to Iraq, and later serving with them again in Okinawa, Japan.  I was attached to the Naval Hospital and worked at the hospital as a family medicine physician and at the Marine Corps Air Station, Futenma, as a Flight Surgeon.  I actually got to “fly” a jet and a C130 (akin to a child “steering” the car, but still very exciting!).  I have had the privilege of volunteering as a physician in Haiti, Africa, and a local free clinic in North Carolina. I have had the joy of raising children and anticipate grandchildren someday.  I now share seven children (two “natural” births, four children acquired as adults and one quasi adopted child, a Japanese exchange student).  I helped build a clinic in Kenya, Africa and was lovingly bestowed a Kipsigis name, Chebaibai, “One Who is Always Smiling”.  I have visited five continents and nearly twenty-one countries.  My life has been abundant and blessed. Writing and drawing are my passions.  Healing is my calling.  I am most blessed.