Mohammad's Camp Journal - June 29th
Camper Mohammad, 18, shares his journal entry...
“Word of the day: INSPIRATION
I have been inspired by the people that surround me. I have been inspired to be more Iranian, more American, and ultimately more of a person who will bridge together these two identities while in the journey of becoming a leader.
This camp has inspired me, “to be me” again. Coming at a time when I was struggling to maintain – although I hate to admit it – both the rich culture and traditions of Iranian life and the modern “always changing” western world, seeing other Iranian-Americans made me realize that this struggle is not just another obstacle with choices and circumstances. I have come to solve the frustration that I have of not being able to choose which identity by choosing both. It is of much more ease to take the best of each culture and to create a warm diverse environment with it for oneself.
I have seen this environment already made in this camp. With each “tarof” that responds with a “thank you,” the IAAB society has made me see the connection that can be made between not just Iranian-Americans, but the possibility of knowing that two worlds can be together without disagreement. An Iranian-American is an example of the unification of the western to the eastern world. And to see in this camp the youthful Iranian-Americans of today, interlacing their sides together with hope and dream of only giving it back to their own future, it makes me feel that my Iranian-American heritage and Iranian and American image is in good hands.”
2 Comments:
mohammad jan. i loved your journal entry about the camp. It´s awesome that you are having a good time. I envy you for having gone to the camp.
azadeh pourzand
one of the IAAB staff members who is doing a study abroad program all the way in argentina...but my heart is with you Iranian-American peeps in that Island!
cheers!
As one of the counselors, I had the unique opportunity to watch Mohammad grow this past week. He proved to be an amazing leader within the camp. Honestly, each one of these campers amazed me in his or her own way. I can't believe the week is already over.
I don't think this blog can begin to convey how wonderful an experience we all shared. Even as a counselor, I now have a sense of community that has yet to be paralleled in my life.
I loved spending time with each one of these campers. All of the parents should be proud and thankful for having been blessed with such wonderful young adults as their children. Mashallah!
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