Alexandra Zedania

As a first-generation immigrant, I highly appreciate my identity; my heritage, and the talents that make it up. Identity is the greatest aspect that controls how you experience life and are fulfilled by it. In a world of 7 billion people, no one is virtually the same, and that uniqueness of ourselves can push us to success.

My parents immigrated to the United States in search of hope. Their Country, Georgia, had just experienced a transition to liberation and independence from the U.S.S.R’s collapse. They did not have the skills and resources required to create a new life, not knowing English. My parents faced challenges and obstacles in settling. Yet through the hardships of assimilation, my parents always reminded me that my heritage will be the step to greatness. They worked endlessly to grant me resources to be successful at school and remain indulged in my passions.

At first, I never acknowledged my identity. I never cared for my mother tongue. I neglected it because of the desperation I had to assimilate. I experienced endless teasing from not knowing English, unable to defend myself from bullies. That internalized hatred only grew as I became older. I was so hesitant to answer about the origins of my parents or share about my heritage.

It was a moment where I began to question the world around me, its problems, and my potential role in the world. Learning about diplomatic relations and territorial conflicts eventually made me question the status of my own country, Georgia. In 2008, my country experienced a war the resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of ethnic Georgians, and the illegal occupation of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. I was always saddened talking about injustices within debate, yet I was even more saddened realizing that such a small country never got any coverage within the media or news. My country was beautiful, rich with bold history and tales, stunning landscapes, heartwarming people, and gorgeously unique culture. I felt as if my people’s struggles did not matter. Yet seeing this injustice prompted me to identify myself to change it. To fight against injustice. That even though it saddened me, it radicalized me. I understood that it all came down to representing myself; that there was my heritage in me. I started hosting diversity events at schools and social media to educate on minority ethnic cultures. I even became a part of a Georgian dance group to connect with my roots! Even the awareness and acknowledgment of my identity could change a lot, and your sole passion to reconnect with your origins makes an impact in your community.

There was another part of my identity that I used to my advantage to spread change. My talents. Everyone has a talent, whether learned or born with. And these gifts can be used in amazing ways. As an artist, I used my art to draw attention to societal issues and national crises.

Thinking about it, I could not imagine how much this world could be better when gifted people come together and work together. So many people with these gifts are not privileged or do not have the resources for qualifications or professions. Yet so many people who have enough outlets and outreach usually end up not utilizing it with their talents, or for good. It is so easy to look down, at our feet, at our phones, yet if you look up, you see a road to find yourself and lead others.

Hatred and slander are at every corner, and harassment is all so frightening. These attitudes can heavily damage people. Even I will never forget my first hate comment about my art and how it made me almost want to quit. Yet If I stopped picking up my pencil, I don’t think I could have helped so many with my art. Despite all these hardships and hurdles, there is so much that can happen when you share your gift to the world and make yourself known. If you are going to pay attention to the hatred and criticism you might get, pay a million times more attention to those who know you best and support you as a person, along with what you do. There is so much of an impact you can make, whether in audiences big or small, and you can be the hope that people will always look up to. It is all about looking up, away from the only little fear. As Mod Sun once said “Up is endless, down has an ending. Always look up.”

I hope that my words can promote reform, promote resilience, and promote confidence. I hope to inspire others to push for a change they want to see in this world. So many people have incredible potential in their voices, talents, and skills, but are so afraid to share it in fear of criticism. So many people are ashamed of who they are as well, but your roots and gifts will always be the route to your success and future. Keep going through the dark tunnel, even with a torch in your hand, you are sure to lead yourself and others to a better future. Go out there and make the world know your name.

With IP Resilience, I hope to further share that message with the world; that you, your gifts, and talents were always destined for greatness.