WHO ARE WORLD WIDE WOMEN. NOW?
A little bit about us...
AURORA
Graduating with degrees in International Relations and Psychology, along with specializations in Muslim Studies and Political Economy, I literally have no idea what exactly I want to go into after school. While I'm trying to sort out what I think my calling might be, I'm applying to different jobs (the joys of a non-STEM degree). I am from Northern Michigan with a Polish background, and a recent convert to Islam. I have studied Arabic for two years and have traveled to Egypt, Dubai, and Amsterdam. Don't be shocked when I whip out my Arabic in mid conversation. I feel that I do bring a unique perspective to the table being a convert, from my academics, and my life experiences. IMAAN I am an Interdisciplinary studies in social science major with a specialization in International Studies , a cognate in Psychology and an emphasis in Business. I also have an unhealthy obsession with Tom Hanks because I mean look at him! He's a gorgeous hunk of a man, but I digress. I'm a Pakistani- American immigrant and I'm referred to by fellow Pakistanis as a "Burger" which I think is a derogatory term for being "Americanized" but whatever I sound super delicious, so jokes on you . Being a Muslim, a woman of color, and an immigrant in America during this major time of flux is confusing and frustrating to say the least. I think sometimes the pressure of encompassing this "East" and "West" identity puts a lot on your shoulders because you somehow are treated as the representative of both while being part of neither. If you know me you'll know I'm always giving a spiel on something, I'm a spieler . I thought I would give my family and friends a break and step off my soapbox and try writing instead. Well here goes nothing. |
The Conception...Through this whole process they call college, you may be lucky enough to find the other half to your neurotic, idealistic, online shopping obsessed self. We found this other half, in each other as roommates, besties and fellow dog moms. We are two college students trying to tackle our last semester of school while navigating our future. I know this sounds like a plot to a bad Alexis Bledel movie, but it is true that nobody tells you the last year of college is super confusing. You feel like you have one foot stuck in the last four years of college and one trying to step out into your future. Lets face it after the freshman 15 (or 20) you're just not that flexible anymore and are likely to pull a hamstring. College is cool, you have the first of many identity crises and panic attacks (which I think is when you have some of your best ideas). Amidst one of these mid term-induced breakdowns an idea was born, a blog was started.
Why we started this blog...
Both of us identify as Muslim Feminists (which by the way is NOT an oxymoron) and have been proud members of the Beygency since 2001. As two soon-to-be graduates, we are readying ourselves to become a part of the working world. This blog is a way to figure out who were are, where we want to go, and who we want to become. School has obviously changed our views, opinions and helped us grow (maybe those student loans were worth it.) The growth and education came with the realization that the media, culture, and society we live in did not always encourage young women like us, especially young Muslim women to fulfill our potential. What was especially difficult was a feeling of ownership over ourselves when “experts” and media giants are the ones debating everything about us as Muslim women. The voices that are clearly missing from these discussions are those of Muslim women. In trying to grapple with the many layers of our identities, we wanted a way to analyze the world around us, while expressing ourselves through media in which we are often underrepresented. In doing this blog we hope our voices are no longer amongst the ones being ignored or unheard. In conclusion we're here to voice our opinions and be incredibly sassy in the process. |