Interviews
Julia Hajjar’s Smile Can Light Up Anyone’s Soul
In her interview with Manifest Easy, Julia talks about some of her greatest achievements at only 18 years old, going to college, and how overcoming a toxic relationship and situation lead her to an amazing relationship.
Julia’s Age: 18 years old
Her Current location: USA
Julia’s Profession: ROTC cadet at Syracuse university in the fall
Instagram Username: @julia.hajjar
What’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you?
“This is a kind of question that changes as you grow and mature. But for me, this is a simple answer that will never change.
My family is the best thing that has happened to me. I am very fortunate for the loving parents I have and that always have my back no matter what. Yes, we get into our arguments, but that will never change the fact that I am who I am today because of them.”
What is your favorite part about being a woman?
“I love the unity that comes with being a woman.
Personally, I feel a special connection with most women and I am instantly able to understand and get to know them. Knowing that so many powerful women got us to where we are today really inspires me to be powerful too.”
Who is your favorite role model?
“Ashley Graham inspires me. I know a lot of girls struggle with self love and body positivity, including me.
But, when I see her pictures or listen to her speak, I feel confident and empowered. She goes against the “haters” and the societal body image that is put in front of her.
She allows people to see that there is not one beautiful type of body, but that who you are makes you beautiful.”
What is your dream in life?
“Right now, I know I want to be an officer in the United States Army. I want to fight for my husband, kids, and country. My dream is for my future family to feel safe and be free.
My dad has been in the army for almost 30 years and has been deployed twice. He is my role model in life and he is the reason why our country can sleep soundly.
This is my dream because I want to do this for my country and for him. I want to go toward the things that other people are running from.”
When you’re feeling down, what do you like to do to bring yourself back into good spirits?
“If I feel really lost, I love sitting on my bed with just my wall light on for light, putting on a good playlist, and writing in my prayer journal. This helps me sort my thoughts and emotions.
Sometimes I really enjoy cleaning and listening to country songs to help me forget the other messes in my life. “
What makes your soul light up?
“I love music. Music speaks to me in ways that no one else can, and helps me deal with my overpowering emotions.
Singing songs that I love helps me release all of the tension I was feeling before. I could listen to really any genre and find some songs that I relate too.”
What is your favorite outfit to wear at the moment?
“I have this perfectly fitted cheetah skirt (not too loose, not too tight) that I love to pair with everything. I usually wear it with a sweater and long light brown boots that I have. I love wearing outfits that make people take a second look!”
What is your “happy place”?
“Whenever I am by water I feel at home. The sounds of the waves and just looking out into the distance really completes me. Just thinking about being by water and watching the sunset going down by a fire makes my heart happy.”
What’s most important to you?
“Helping other people. I don’t know what exactly I want to do with my life yet, but I do know I have to help other people while doing it.
Whether it’s helping people with PTSD, people with special needs, or just people who need a friend in life. I want to be there for them.”
What’s the funniest moment you’ve ever experienced?
“I have experienced many funny moments in my life, but the most recent one would have to be when I was at Disney world with my family. My family and I decided to go to Disney before my cousin and I graduate, so we went in March.
March isn’t the hottest month for Florida so it was actually pretty cold. One night it was like in the 30s and most of us were in shorts and tiny jackets.
My family decided to use me as a human blanket so I laid across their legs for like an hour until the bus finally came. Before that, my mom would stand next to every bus that stopped by us because the exhaust was warm. That night was one of the best nights of the trip because we were all just laughing and suffering together.”
What’s your favorite thing that you’ve manifested into your life so far?
“I would say the relationship I am in right now.
Before I met my boyfriend Kyle, I was in a very mentally abusive relationship that made me not eat, sleep, and had me feeling like I was not good enough. This relationship really took a toll on my mental health and I found myself just not being myself anymore and taking it out of my family.
I know this happens to a lot of people, but personally, I did react well when I found out he was cheating on me repeatedly. I feel like God really had me experience that hard time in my life so I could eventually see what love is supposed to feel like, and that’s Kyle.”
If you had the chance to talk to your younger self, what would you tell them?
“Know your worth! You will get through whatever is bringing you down but you cannot let it control you.
You have your whole life ahead of you, do not let one person take away a whole year of your life. Learn to love yourself enough that you don’t need anyone to do it for you.”
What’s something that you love about yourself?
“I really love my smile and they way it makes me feel. Everyone has their own beautiful smile, but every time I see a picture of myself smiling, I just have to smile. My smile is one thing that will never change and I’m so thankful for that. I love how people tell me when they are feeling down, my smile shows them light again. “
What’s your favorite meal? Gimme allll the juicy details!!!
“I love Arabic food! I am 25% Syrian, so whenever I go to my grandmas house she always has a huge meal prepared for us!!
My favorite is shawarma and grape leaves. I can not begin to explain the amazing smell of the food as soon as you walk into my grandmas house. I really love eating all different kinds of food and experiencing different cultures through their food. “
Do you meditate?
“No, I do not meditate. I am very interested in starting though because of my anxiety.
I have always told myself I was going to try meditation but I never get around to doing it. I really think it would benefit me a lot though and I respect everyone who does it.”
What is something you’re really proud of accomplishing?
“I am going to Syracuse University basically on a full ride scholarship through ROTC. Syracuse is an amazing university and I was fortunate enough to win an ROTC scholarship to allow me to get this opportunity.
I am very proud of myself because I really worked my tail off for this and I am so excited for this next chapter.”
What do you want to be remembered as?
“A light. I want to be the person who helps people on their bad days and get them to crack a smile and even a laugh. My family and friends call me Juju because inside, I will always be a goofy person. Even when I am older with my own family I still want to make people laugh and know me as Juju, the crazy, kind-hearted, and strong spirit. “
Follow Julia’s journey on Instagram: @julia.hajjar