In October, ETA Shanze “Aisha” Tahir was invited to speak about her experience being a Muslim American at a local school in Malang. For the past three months, she has become close to Wafa’ Hanim, a young woman in Malang who Aisha was connected through one of the speakers at the orientation in Jakarta. Hanim and Aisha discussed the experience of being Muslim in America through informal conversations over coffee for a few months, until Hanim suggested that Aisha come speak at an event celebrating Santri Week at a local pesantren, or Islamic boarding school.

On October 24, Aisha was welcomed by over 40 young girls who greeted her with Salaams and Santri Week songs. Afterwards, Aisha spoke to the group, as Hanim translated. She was asked a wide range of questions including, “How is it different being Muslim in the US and in Malang?” “What are the positives of being Muslim in America?” What kind of struggles did you face as a Muslim, which is a minority in the US?” Another discussion topic centered around interfaith relationships, as Aisha was asked “How did you build relationships with other faith communities in America?” Many of the young girls were also curious about the experience of being a Muslim female college student in America, and asked her questions about it in the open question and answer segment. Aisha was excited to speak about her experiences growing up Muslim in Indiana, her time in college, and her interfaith work. She looks forward to having more of these conversations, both formally and informally, during her time in Indonesia.

Shanze “Aisha” Tahir is currently teaching at MAN 2 Malang, East Java.