I sometimes think of myself as a product of assimilation. When researching the definition of “assimilate” for writing inspiration, Google informed me of this: “to bring into conformity with the customs, attitudes, etc., of a group, nation, or the like […] to assimilate the new immigrants.” I was immediately frustrated.
Let me be upfront – I am so incredibly thankful for the sacrifices my immigrant parents have made for me, for the life I have lead, and for the woman I am today. However, I often reflect on the shadows of this statement.
The concept of assimilation has greatly affected my horizontal perception and emotions. Throughout my upbringing, I often found myself surrounded by whiteness and by secular circles. I also found myself feeling more comfortable in Desi circles, but not feeling quite like I belonged. Both circles shaped my identity and my choices. I don’t butcher the Urdu language when I attempt to speak it; I hold dear my Ismaili Muslim education and lessons; I struggle eating spicy dishes; I wish I had reasons to buy a new shalwar kameez; and I look forward to my daily chai when I’m home with Mom and Dad.
Read more at the source: The Student Affairs Collective
Armina Khwaja is a Resident Director at Seattle University. She considers “home” Atlanta, Georgia, where she also completed her B.S. in Business Administration at Georgia Tech before pursuing her M.S. Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education at Texas A&M University.
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