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Twen Beyene: Home is Where the Heart is Twen Beyene grew up in a completely different world than where she lives now. Her days were spent without electricity, technology and many of the luxuries so many take for granted. But she treasures her old life as she continues on in her new, recognizing how the […]

t’s not uncommon for immigrants to have an identity crisis, and Karim El-Araby knows that story all too well. But with the challenges of starting a new life in the U.S. comes the opportunity to blend with so many other cultures and create a new, blended identity of your own. This story is part of

Asad is a student at NYU, and discusses how his perception of identity has changed throughout his journey as an organizer, advocate, and a student.  He explains how the obstacles he has faced have informed how he thinks about identity, and propelled him towards new perspectives and confidence as an intellectual. Asad is also a

In her story, Fathima describes the difficulty in navigating two different cultures as a woman, and her struggle to reconcile her cultural and religious heritage with her ambition to pursue higher educational and a professional career. Fathima is also a recipient of MALA’s Scholarship Program for 2018. “Girls shouldn’t read so much.” “Girls shouldn’t dress

Maryia describes the excitement, confusion, and–above all else–the hard work that came with moving to the U.S. from Eastern Europe when she was 11 years old.  Since arriving, she has found a wealth of exciting relationships and  opportunities. Mariya hopes that her optimism, adaptability, and tenacity will help her achieve her dreams in becoming a

Sofia Babool: The Hyphen Sofia shares her personal journey on reconnecting with her Pakistani cultural heritage. She came to the understanding that, while identity can be complex, there is beauty within the metamorphosis of change. Her story sends the powerful message that failure is often a symptom of progress, and that self identity is constantly

Assita Barro could barely speak English a year ago but is now thriving in all classes and tests back in the States. In her story she shares the difficult transition from Africa to the U.S. but how she persevered through it all, knowing that one day her name would be attached to something great. This

Zagham Chaudry has always wanted to fight for the rights of others, but when his own rights were put into question after 9/11, everything changed. In his story, Chaudry shares how his civil rights felt like they were taken away, and how being optimistic and respectful, but with a powerful voice, helped him turn things

Nasser Hassoun is a strong Muslim Student Association leader, helping his organization grow dramatically every semester and earn recognition and respect at his college. Most recently, Hassoun has realized how this experience and a specific international relations course has helped pave his future — he now knows he wants to study political science, to spread

Anxhela grew up in Greece during a massive wave of immigration. Her memories of the unrest and bigotry that she observed during her upbringing have inspired her to become an advocate for human rights and equality. Anxhela’s story traces her journey from being a bystander, to a community organizer, to an aspiring attorney and human