Linda
“Life is short and it can be taken away from you in a split of a second, any time, anywhere. We always think we have time ahead of us, but we don’t. Make the most of your life with those who matter, every day.”
Linda is an accomplished free lance journalist and radio show host who leads with grit and determination. Having worked for multiple news stations all over the world, she has developed a sense of independence that has allowed her to become well-versed in different cultures and form connections with those who live there. Residing currently in Beirut, she has found herself in the middle of some of the most dangerous and chaotic events in modern history. From explosions to financial ruin, she has withstood it all, maintaining her journalistic integrity and providing the public with valuable and truthful information every step of the way. Meet Linda. This is her story.
K: Please introduce yourself!
L: My name is Linda Tamim; I host the morning show on Virgin Radio Stars and I’m a freelance journalist here in Beirut. I’ve worked for several news stations worldwide including France 24, RT, TRT, 7 News Sydney and CGTN. I’m also a freelance voice over professional. I grew up in Mali, West Africa before I moved to Lebanon in 2003 for university.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
L: I love meeting new people from different cultures, and I’m always eager to travel to new places and discover the world. I would definitely describe myself as a world citizen, as I don’t have a real sense of belonging, yet I can create a piece of home anywhere I go. Having grown up in Africa, I call it home although I will always be viewed as a foreigner there; I also call Lebanon home, but my broken Arabic accent always gives me away. After 18 years in Lebanon, I’m still asked if I’m Armenian! I particularly get along with those who grew up or who’ve lived in countries other than their own; we instantly recognize each other, and the connection is always amazing no matter where in the world our paths have taken us. While I can be very sociable and outgoing, I’m very independent and I love having my space and spending quality time with myself. It’s vital for me to function. I guess I can be called an ambivert in that sense.
K: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
L: My favorite thing about myself? The fact that I’m independent I guess, but also the fact that I can easily empathize and connect with others; I do have a big heart, and a strong love for animals and nature.
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
L: I survived the 3rd most powerful non-nuclear explosion in the world unharmed; I had a very narrow escape, and THAT has definitely changed my perspective on life in general. I was in Beirut on August 4, 2020 and I was on my way home from work when it happened – home being right facing the port where the explosion occurred. I escaped it by 10 minutes, maybe less; my place was totally destroyed. I worked late that day, and I highly doubt I would’ve survived had I returned home as per usual. Life is short and it can be taken away from you in a split of a second, any time, anywhere. We always think we have time ahead of us, but we don’t. Make the most of your life with those who matter, every day.
What has made me stronger, you ask? Living in Lebanon, definitely – especially in the last couple of years. Not only did I experience the Beirut blast – I’ve also been living in a country facing an unprecedented economic crisis (the worst since 1850, in fact), I’ve seen my salary reduced to less than a tenth of what it was once worth, my savings at the bank evaporated. We’ve also been lacking the most basic necessities such as electricity, fuel and medicine. That either kills you (mentally at least) or makes you stronger; and oftentimes both.
K: What is one piece of advice you’d give your younger self?
L: If I could have a chat with my younger self, I would tell me to trust my journey and to believe everything happens at the right time, and for a reason. I wouldn’t waste my energy on worrying about the future so much, and would make the most of every experience I’m living in the moment instead.
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
L: Being a woman is a blessing, for women are powerful beings; no matter where they come from, they are driving change around the world. Jacinda Ardern and Angela Merkel are perfect examples of successful women in politics for instance; in my country, I can’t keep count of the number of successful women I know; entrepreneurs running their own businesses, doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc. Even in my industry, the most well-known journalists are women. A woman is also the pillar of the family, raising children and running the household in some cases. No matter our background, culture or race, we are powerful beings.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
L: (Good) mothers definitely inspire me, especially my mother. Anyone can have a child, but it takes someone special to be a good mother – patient, willing to put her children first and be there for them, give them all the love and a proper education – all these things are so important for the child (and for society at large), and are often taken for granted.
Women who are ambitious inspire me as well; those who go after what they want, and most importantly, those who create positive change in their lives and others’ lives as well. A woman I truly admire is Jacinda Ardern; a true leader, working hard to make New Zealand a better place every day. Coming from a country with a corrupt political class who’s led my country to total collapse, I wish we had leaders like her. I know Lebanon wouldn’t be where it is today with people like her in the government, that’s for sure.