Day 13

Day 13: Sana

Age: 19

Major: Graphic Design

Hometown: Doha, Qatar

Connection to me: Printmaking

Me: When did you come to the states?

Sana: When I was 15. I was born in Doha then moved to Dubai when I was 10 for 5 years and then moved here. I went to a British school so I spoke English all my life. 

Me: Why did you go to a British school?

Sana: They were the best schools where we lived at the time. The rest were crazy Arab schools.

Me: What makes them crazy?

Sana: The Arabs are crazy, they get into fights a lot.

Me: You're not an Arab?

Sana: I don't really know what I am...

Me: What do you consider yourself?

Sana: Mixed, confused.

Me: Do you have a boyfriend?

Sana: Yes.

Me: Do your parents like him?

Sana: My dad doesn't mind him but my mom doesn't like him.

Me: Why doesn't she?

Sana: Me and my mom have a weird history. When I was born, I was supposed to be a boy which is considered better than a girl in our culture. She always treated me differently. When I was 1 years old my parents got into an argument and sent me to live with my grandparents in Pakistan. I stayed there for 4 years, my dad wanted me back. 

Me: Do you and your mom fight a lot?

Sana: We don't really interact at all.

Me: How long has it been like that?

Sana: Always. Once, when we lived in Dubai, I was 8 years old and we were having lunch. I was drinking orange juice and she had brought out water for me but I didn't realize and went up to my room after I finished eating. She got so mad, she came after me and beat the crap out of me. My dad happened to come home early from work that day and stopped her.

Me: Are you close with your dad?

Sana: Yes. I lost respect for my mom. She's really hypocritical. As a Muslim, you're not supposed to drink and I found out she's a heavy alcoholic. Once, when we were on an airplane and I was just falling asleep, she ordered orange juice and vodka. I asked her if I could have some of her orange juice and she wouldn't let me.

Me: Why don't your parents get divorced?

Sana: For the family. My sister just got engaged and if they did get divorced, she'd have a hard time getting married. Also, it would be hard on my little brother. I've learned to not worry about it too much. I worry about myself and my school work.