This project aims to elevate the stories and lived experiences of the Asian American community in the DFW area (and beyond). My hope is that this project will encourage our city to listen to Asian American people in our communities, reflect on their own assumptions and discover ways to celebrate these beautiful people.
Aymen
"Having grown up in a small texas town and going to a small high school where I was the only south Asian Muslim in my class has resulted in a rollercoaster of a relationship with my culture. I remember as a teenager I wished I was white on many many occasions in order to “fit in.” However, as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to see my culture as an integral part of my identity and personality. Now as a therapist, I strive to take a multicultural approach to help clients recover from race-based trauma and anxiety caused by feeling out of place due to differences in cultures."
What are some of the joys of Asian American culture most people do not see?
Although South Asian food, culture, and traditions are widely known around the world, having these aspects interwoven in my individual identity provides a richness I don’t think I could get elsewhere. The natural familiarity which comes with walking into a South Asian grocery store in any city in the world takes me back to my childhood the second I smell the masalas, which reminds me of my mom’s cooking.
What are your favorite things about being Asian American / of Asian descent?
I love being a part of a big family that focuses on supporting one another. The rich connection to extended family in South Asian culture provides a support system that can quell the deepened loneliness caused by the rise of social media, the pandemic, etc. The emphasis on respect towards elders allows me to appreciate the wisdom which naturally comes with age and have empathy towards the process of aging which many times constitutes relying on others.
