Before Awf the Record, before the mics, and before the viral moments—who were Mona and Jeannette?

In this episode, they get real about their upbringings, family expectations, and the cultural influences that shaped them. From Mona’s strict Somali academic upbringing in San Diego to Jeannette’s Dominican roots in Providence, they reflect on the highs, lows, and awkward phases that made them who they are today.

They talk about:
 🔥 Growing up in strict vs. non-strict households
 🔥 Navigating identity across multiple cultures
 🔥 The struggles of being the new kid (and eating lunch in the bathroom)
 🔥 First crushes, embarrassing moments, and bad fashion choices
 🔥 Why Jeannette attended five different high schools

Get ready for stories they never thought they’d share. It’s messy, it’s funny, and it’s 100% unfiltered.

KEY POINTS 

- Mona and Jeannette’s life backgrounds 

- A glimpse of cultural influences & family dynamics

- Whose parents are more strict? 

- The impact of parenting on their behavior

-  Reflections and Frealizations on upbringing

- The challenges of being a first-generation women 

QUOTES 

“I did truly believe when my parents said you could be anything you want to be, I'd be like: YES. Yes, I can. So let's do it.” – Mona Kosar Abdi

“I never had a curfew. I never felt any pressure too, like — do something a certain way — be something my parents would kind of like. I think they just trusted that we would know what's right and what's what you don't do.” – Jeannette Reyes

RESOURCES: 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:

Youtube: @AwfTheRecord

Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast

TikTok: @AwfTheRecord

Mona Kosar Abdi

IG |  @monakabdi 

Jeannette Reyes

IG |  @msnewslady 

Keep in touch with Awf The Record:
Watch on Youtube: @AwfTheRecord
Follow us on Instagram: @awftherecordpodcast
Follow us on TikTok: @AwfTheRecord
Visit our website: www.AwfTheRecord.com

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Follow Jeannette on TikTok and IG