Bridging Worlds: Navigating Cultural Identity and Self-Discovery

Is life worth living? As bold and serious of a question, this was the thought going through my head as a middle schooler. With my life depicting a bridge, connecting two identities into one, I never felt a sense of who I was or where I belonged. Born and raised in two different worlds—Birmingham, Alabama, and Amman, Jordan—I found myself suspended between two cultures. I was too Arab in America and too American in Jordan. 

Navigating this cultural duality, I grew up feeling lost, without a clear sense of direction, unable to explain these complex and unfamiliar emotions to myself or my parents. My parents, who had sacrificed everything as refugee immigrants, did their utmost to provide us with the best and safest life possible. Yet, despite their efforts, I entered classrooms where the chanting of "Allahu Akbar" by my peers mocked my religion. In those moments, I questioned why I was placed in this situation, why I felt such shame about my identity, and why anger towards my parents began to take root.

A fear of exposure began to shape my actions. I straightened my naturally curly hair to fit in, altered the pronunciation of my name so that it sounded “American,” and made sure no one knew that my mother wore a hijab. I felt ashamed of the woman who had given me life, who had provided me with shelter and protection throughout my existence—all because I yearned to blend in seamlessly.

As I grew older, I quickly began to realize the power of embracing my multifaceted identity. I recognized that having an intersectional identity gave me a remarkable ability to bridge gaps and foster understanding between different cultures. I came to understand that my parents' sacrifices and my upbringing had gifted me with the strength to stand proudly at the bridge of two worlds.

My journey towards self-acceptance and embracing my cultural heritage has been one of profound transformation. From battling internal conflicts to dismantling the self-imposed barriers I had created; I have embarked on a path of self-discovery that is ongoing. This journey has not only strengthened my connection with my family and roots, but it has also inspired me to pursue a life embracing it.