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I am a diplobrat, and a bridge-builder.
Growing up a diplobrat meant learning and speaking many languages – Bengali, Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, French and English. I am of Bangladeshi origin, born in Thailand. My formative years were spent living in Venezuela, Kuwait, Egypt and India; each of them deeply influenced me.
This also made me into a bridge-builder; with a background in psychology, international affairs, higher education and interfaith collaborations, I enjoy (and am very comfortable) utilizing my cross-cultural counseling skills and representing a wide array of faiths, cultures, and traditions from a universalist Muslim perspective.
I came to the U.S. 33 years ago, in 1990 as an international student and immigrant. Navigating this unique role presented itself with many opportunities and challenges as I established my footing in various professional and personal circles.
I discovered my love of writing during the quiet of the COVID-19 pandemic; words just poured out of me when I was given the gift of being still. My poetry ranges in topics on identity, belonging, culture, and home. Being a global nomad also made me deeply grateful for the family I now move — and stay still — with: my husband and partner in life, Fahmeed, and our two children Arman and Leila, who keep me grounded and grateful.
This poem — “Me You” — means a lot to me as I continue to create belonging in the multitude of spaces I inhabit in this increasingly interconnected world, as well as for so many others I am friends with or mentor to.
Me You
We are the same. When you look at us from the outside, you will initially see two women: educated, family-oriented, independent. We are both mothers, sisters, daughters, and wives.
When we were young, we both grew up in comfortable homes, with an abundance of food, guests, conversation, entertainment, and the love of literature. We did not want for anything, and if we did, our parents were there to provide for us.
We have traveled the world extensively and tasted various new cuisines. Our schooling was top-notch.
In college, we immersed ourselves in the study of difficult subjects, and received excellent results.
But there is just one small difference…your skin is the purest of white; mine is a little darker, more brown. People see your white skin and are mesmerized, even without trying all doors open up for you. Your wants and needs, how you are perceived, is all automatic, there is no need to question you.
I have to work a little harder. Next to you my skin does look different, some might suspect if our qualifications are the same. Even though I do not want to, I have to prove to others that I deserve equal opportunity. Behind the color of my skin, I find myself working extra hard…but you, perhaps not so much. In seeing your shiny white skin many think that you are the expert, that it is only your idea suited for the job.
From the inside we are the same, but from the outside, we are night and day.
Learn more about Anita at Yale University and LinkedIn
To reach Anita directly: anita.sharif@gmail.com or anita.sharif-hyder@yale.edu