NYC IS NOT SAUDI ARABIA

Layal Taleb’s journey from a cherished Saudi childhood to a challenging but exciting new life in the US, exploring the power of adaptation, community, and self-discovery.

WRITTEN BY: SADDQA BAHIDRAH

Adaptation plays an integral role in the process of growing up. Whether it involves adapting to a new school, moving to a different house, or even pushing to try new foods, the act of adapting is crucial. For Layal Taleb, adjusting to a new country thousands of miles away from home has been a defining experience in her life. Layal, a SaudiBahraini rising Junior at Pratt Institute, is pursuing her BFA in Painting. As a fellow Saudi, I had the opportunity to discuss and relate to many of the challenges she has faced over the past year.

Interview With Layal

SADDQA BAHIDRAH:

“SO YOU SAID COMMUNITY, AS ONE OF THE THREE WORDS TO DESCRIBE RAMADAN 2023. DO YOU WANT TO TELL ME MORE ABOUT WHAT YOU MEAN BY THAT?”

LAYAL TALEB:

“I REALLY DON’T WANT TO GIVE IT TO YOU GUYS, BUT YOU GUYS DID IT. THE MSA EVENTS ONCE A WEEK WAS A GOOD THING, BECAUSE DURING THE WEEK YOU HAD SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO.”

SADDQA BAHIDRAH:

“HAHAHAHA, WHY DON’T YOU WANT TO GIVE IT TO US!”

LAYAL TALEB:

“HAHAHAH, TRULY THOUGH IT FELT LIKE SOMETHING I COULD GO TO, I ALSO HAD MORE FAMILY AND FRIENDS IN THE US THAT I WAS ABLE TO VISIT. I ALSO BECAME MORE COMFORTABLE WITH BEING ALONE, I WOULD MAKE IT EXCITING FOR MYSELF. MY MINDSET STARTED SHIFTING, BECAUSE I NECESSARILY DIDN’T NEED PEOPLE.”

Layal, who was born and raised in Jeddah, shared with me her experiences of life there, particularly during Ramadan. She fondly reflects, “Looking back, there’s a golden tint on all the memories in my head.” Layal described her family’s Ramadan routine to me, which involved breaking fast with a small meal, praying together, and then enjoying a larger meal surrounded by family. Being with friends and family was a significant focus for Layal during a typical Saudi Ramadan. She often spent evenings with friends and had the chance to reconnect with extended family members whom she usually saw only during this time of the year. In Jeddah, the entire city undergoes a transformation during Ramadan, with cafes, restaurants and malls opening for Iftar and operating until late at night. The entire country adapts to accommodate the spirit of Ramadan. Layal expresses gratitude for the childhood she had while growing up in Saudi

Coming to the United States to pursue her studies was not easy for Layal. She vividly described Ramadan in 2022 as cold, soulless, and lonely. It felt as if she was describing the depths of a freezing hell (aka New York City in the winter). On campus, there was a noticeable absence of any Muslim student culture, and Layal had only a handful of Muslim friends. However, in 2023, things started to change for the better with the establishment of the Muslim Student Association at the beginning of the year. During Ramadan, Layal found comfort in having an event every Friday, which provided her with something to look forward to throughout the week. The opportunity to meet new people and witness a growing Muslim presence on campus was reassuring. However, Layal also observed a shift in her mindset, as she found herself able to enjoy Ramadan without the constant need to be surrounded by many people, as she had been accustomed to in Saudi Arabia.