Growing up in a Muslim household with immigrant parents in a Western society, I too faced similar troubles as Hanif and Mohammed. At home, I was taught how to read and recite in Arabic. I would wear traditional clothing like my mother and sisters. I would eat Bengali food 3 times a day, and I would speak my native language like my parents had wanted me too. However, when I would leave my home to go to school, I would change into jeans and a t-shirt. I would only speak English. I would accept being called Sabrina, a more Western approach to my real name. I would hide the homemade food my mother had packed for me in fear of the scent. And instead of reciting Arabic, I would recite the lyrics to the latest hit song with my friends. Throughout my childhood, I would often find myself changing my actions and behaviors as I stepped in and out of these 2 worlds. Why you may ask? Well, I simply wanted to appeal to the environment I was in. At home and around family, I wanted to be the good daughter who was devoted to Islam and followed tradition. Outside, I wanted to be like the other kids, following trends and being “cool”.

Going to school, through reading and writing, I had the opportunity to learn about other people and their experiences. From ranges of topics such as childhood, bullying, experiences as an immigrant, racism, individuality, and much more, I learned that there was really no need to hide certain parts of myself or constantly switch between my 2 “worlds”. Slowly, I figured everyone has their own story, background, and culture which makeup parts of who they are. When I got this hint, I started correcting those who mistakenly called me Sabrina and I indulged in my mothers homemade food. At home I also began listening to music that I enjoyed which my parents had reluctantly learned to accept. Through reading and writing, I continue to gain exposure to new perspectives that shape my way of thinking. From time to time I even use it as a tool to express myself and my ideas.