It all started when I moved to Los Angeles from Dubai (United Arab Emirates) to attend UCLA as a student. I was always the skinny kid of my friend group back home, weighing in at approx. 140 pounds. When I moved to the dorms and made friends around UCLA, I just realized that everyone around me was much 'bigger' and way more fit than I had ever imagined. Then again, I was at UCLA, a top tier school known for their academics and their sports (John Wooden).

Throughout my freshman year I tried really hard trying to gain weight, just to look better. Then one of my good friends from UCLA advised me to hit the gym and start lifting. This was all new to me, I had never gone to the gym before coming to UCLA, never even experienced what a bench press or a squat was.

I started lifting when I turned 19 years old during my sophomore year, because I was sick and tired of not putting on any weight, and was still 'the skinny kid' as a sophomore.

My first weeks at the gym were terrifying. I never felt so intimidated in my entire life. Everywhere I looked, I felt like I didn't belong. But that didn't steer me away.

I started lifting, started educating myself with the proper movements and rep ranges. BODYBUILDING.COM was my number 1 resource. I still remember buying my first Optimum Nutrition 100% Whey Product. I was so excited when I received it in the mail. I felt like I was just going to put on MASS just by looking at it.

But Rome wasn't built in a day. I stuck with working out, and the best feeling ever was when I started to see a change in my body. This was probably the greatest satisfaction ever. I felt that I was finally pushing myself to its limits.

As of now, I can proudly say that I have put on approx. 25 pounds of muscle and am currently training for my first competition in 2014

I don't want to sound cliche at all, but ever since I started working out, I have become more confident with my self image, I feel good and I feel more successful with my life. I started eating healthy to supplement my training, and my gains have been awesome. Just seeing all these changes occur, just motivate me to keep on going and to see how far I can go. It has become a passion of mine and I encourage everyone to start living a healthy and active life. Whether it not be in the gym or not, just pursue a physical activity where you can grow to love and be passionate about.

I came across a quote a few years ago and I just continue to live and lift by it. I'll share it here (Many of you may have heard it):

You're body is a work of art, and you are the sculptor. It is your job to make it your masterpiece.