TWO CULTURES ONE ME The South Hills of Pittsburgh is home to a diverse group of people from different cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences. In 2016, middle school students in SHIM's Youth Mentoring program participated in the inaugural Two Cultures, One Me project. The students were from refugee families who were resettled in America after spending on average 15 years in refugee camps—many of the students themselves were born in the camps. The project aimed to capture the dual identities that many foreign-born youth often experience. Five years later, students have a slightly different story to tell. In the second iteration of Two Cultures, One me, writer Stephanie Hacke led a writing project that encouraged students to explore their identities. Through this exercise, students found pride in their heritage and discovered that being different only makes the world a more beautiful and interesting place. Then, photographer Edward Coll worked with students to capture their stories and identities in a series of vivid photographs. SHIM is proud of the amazing resilience of these young adults. While the world can feel hopelessly disjointed sometimes, these inspirational teens show us that more unites than divides us.
Shalina
My parents were born in Bhutan, but they had to leave to go to Nepal because of oppression. That is where I was born. I was only 16 months old when we came to America. It was hard for me to learn English because there was no one to teach me. I learned English from cartoons and my neighbors. I learned English faster than my parents, so I had to translate stuff for them and help them. I also had to help my siblings learn and help them with their homework.
Being responsible for teaching them English was very stressful. I didn’t have much interest in my culture because I was embarrassed by it. I have learned to accept my culture because I’ve realized that being different isn’t a bad thing. I am glad that I have gotten back to embracing my roots because Nepali culture is truly astonishing and remarkable.
TWO CULTURES ONE ME
Salma
Though I was born in the US, my country’s culture plays a major role in my life. Both my parents were born in Morocco, and immigrated here about 30 years ago in hopes of a better life in the United States. I was simultaneously learning Arabic and English. English was easier for me to learn, because I spoke English at school, with my friends, and in public. Living in the US as a person of color came with its opportunities and obstacles.
I began to be ashamed of who I was. I constantly found myself trying to be someone I wasn’t. I was so focused on trying to fit in that I didn’t realize what I had within. Despite all of the challenges, I formed great memories. I enjoy the great times I have during holidays, like Eid. During this traditional Islamic holiday, we dress up in our nicest clothing and eat the best of food. We go to our mosque, exchange presents and money, and have fun. It’s a great time to spend with friends and family.
TWO CULTURES ONE ME
Sakshi
My parents are both from Bhutan but then had to immigrate to Nepal. In Bhutan, the citizens didn't speak Nepali and weren't Hindu. If my parents didn't convert their religion, they would have been persecuted. When I first came to America, it was hard for my parents because my parents didn't know much English and it was hard for them to understand.
In Nepal, many girls didn't get to go to school because they were expected to stay home and do housework. I am very grateful to have this opportunity because I know many girls in Nepal who would have wanted the opportunity to have a good education. I like America better than Nepal because they have better hospitals, transportation, and education. I love going to school and hanging out with my friends. SHIM has helped me a lot with homework and making friends.
TWO CULTURES ONE ME
Rakshya
My whole life, I wanted to be something I am not. All the other students at my school got along well due to their similarities in background and culture. I did not fit in. This led to me hating my background, culture, religion, and my identity. It didn't change until 6th grade when my social studies teacher started on a unit about world religions. She started with Hinduism, with the details of our Dharma, beliefs, and God. I remember listening to my teacher talk about Lord Krishna and I felt fulfilled. This is my religion. This is me. This is who I am.
My Nepali friends at SHIM helped a lot with rediscovering my culture. I did not feel ashamed for wearing a tika or a kurta. Though I try to act more “western” around my American friends, I am not embarrassed to talk about my culture around them. Being different doesn’t have to be a bad thing. A world where everyone is the same would be very boring.
TWO CULTURES ONE ME
Nikita
Until I was two, I lived in a refugee camp in Nepal. In 2009, my family and I entered America where we started a new life. I don’t remember anything from my homeland, but I continue to learn through the stories from my relatives. In America, I recognized that I was different from the other kids. I would ask myself, why didn't I have paler skin or blond hair? The more I learned about my culture in school, I felt a deeper connection to my roots.
I grew to love the traditions of my culture. I became less self-conscious. I realized that I should be proud of who I am because my culture is beautiful. My parents remind me every day that I am very lucky compared to other kids who don’t have it as easy as me. They motivate me to try my best. They sacrificed so much just to come to America for me and my brothers to have a good future. I hope that one day I am able to give back to my parents and make them proud.
TWO CULTURES ONE ME
Lyric
My narrative differs from everyone else's since they have either lived in another country or had parents who were born in another country. I have lived in Pittsburgh my entire life. I believe that I can relate to each culture in some way. Growing up knowing that I was Black and White was very cool to me. I never knew which group I fit in with the best. I would act a certain way around whichever group I was hanging out with. I knew I wasn’t acting like myself because I am a part of both cultures.
My mother recently told me that my great grandmother was from the Native American Sioux tribe. I am glad to have Native American and African American ancestry. The texture of my hair is a big part of my African American side. My mother tries her hardest to teach me about my other cultures. She educates me on how to style my hair and what products to use. There are some things about myself that I still have questions about that my mother cannot answer. Now I know that I should try to be myself and if people don’t accept me that's on them.
TWO CULTURES ONE ME
Isha & Zainab Where I’m From Poem By Isha I am from the beautiful land of Sierra Leone From the land of mineral resources. And loads of fresh fruits, fresh food, fresh vegetable I am from a place full of golds, diamond, bauxite, and the list goes on From amazing landscape, seashore and white sandy beaches I am from a place where people are always happy no matter the circumstances And always welcome other people from other countries with two hands I am from a small and welcoming place From warm summer and pure rainy season I am from where everybody works so hard to get what they want I am from a free and peaceful land From amazing soil farm to grow food
I am from afro and good music From a place where everyone likes to enjoy themself A sweet and lovely melody From a drum that plays to a nice song and happy tune I am from villages and beautiful animals The everything about me I am from learning and teaching you manners and respecting people that are older than you From a place where they train you for your future To become a better person in life I am from family and friends Family always want to see you win I am from always being myself Being proud of where I am from That is where I always belong and where everyone accepts me for who I am. *inspired by "Where I'm From" by George Ella Lyon
I am from a fresh food smell that you can smell even if you are far away From a place where mango and orange are waiting to get picked I am from good and fresh food I am from Sierra Leone From a place where they see nothing different
TWO CULTURES ONE ME
Dilisha
I am a refugee who was born inside a camp in Nepal. When I was three, my family and I moved to New York. I remember going to the store and my family would speak Nepali. We got a lot of stares when we spoke Nepali in front of other shoppers. Their staring made me feel ashamed to speak my language and ashamed that my parents didn’t know English. Every time my parents went shopping, I would try to stay home. I felt very out of place and wanted to fit in with other people around me. I wanted to be perceived as “normal” to other people.
At one point, I wished that I was born in America with parents who knew the language fluently. I had trouble making friends and socializing as a kid and blamed my lack of social skills on my origin. Eventually, I started to make some more friends who are not from America and some who are. They helped me gain more confidence. Now I can speak my language in public without having the constant anxiety of being judged keeping me silent. I am proud of my roots and do not try to hide them anymore.
TWO CULTURES ONE ME
Bronika
My parents were forced into refugee camps in Nepal because of the ethnic cleansing the Bhutanese government was enacting on ethnic Nepalese people. My parents and my older sister were resettled in Pittsburgh in 2009 right before I was born. My childhood consisted of love, joy and happiness. Most of my friends were also children of immigrant parents. I had to translate for my parents at the doctor’s office, and supermarkets.
At home, I speak both Nepali and English. My favorite Nepali holidays that my family and I celebrate are Dashain, Diwali, and Holi. My favorite foods are chatpate—puffed rice with onions, potatoes, and seasoning—and also momos—dumplings with cabbage and seasonings. Some American holidays I celebrate are the 4th of July, Halloween, and sometimes Christmas.
TWO CULTURES ONE ME
Bibeak
Growing up with refugee parents has affected my life in both positive and negative ways. I got to experience my beautiful culture and practice traditions, but carrying the burden of responsibilities —especially in a foreign country—was tough. Coming to America opened many doors for me and gave me many chances to dig deeper into our culture and religion. I was exposed to many religions, making me reconsider my own faith. I was scared to talk to my parents about new religion or new tradition.
I was also scared to show others my own culture in fear of being judged. I learned that no one cares what you decide to believe in or how you decide to dress. You will always look good and sound smart in your mother’s eyes. Knowing that gave me the freedom to feel comfortable with my culture and to wear traditional clothes. I also found the most valuable thing to me, friendship.
TWO CULTURES ONE ME
Anay
I was born in Nepal. My childhood was full of running, chasing, and playing games with friends. The only electronics we had was a box TV, which only worked sometimes. We lived in a bamboo mud hut which we painted beautifully and covered the walls with newspapers, to keep out cold air. In the refugee camps in Nepal, my parents lived with people who had different views. Because of this, my parents were very comfortable with the idea of freedom and unity in America.
America has changed our life dramatically. I made new friends from a variety of races and ethnicities. I liked learning about their culture. Because of them I have interest of learning about history and other people. While a lot of people my age are interested in chasing fame and social media, I found my own interest of listening to classical Hindustani music and old Nepali songs. I believe we can do and be anything we want to be, but you just have to try and work for it.
TWO CULTURES ONE ME