Mo' Sibyl

섬의 삶| The One with Selena: The Girl from Mauritius – On Island Living: Episode 17 (2019)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Selena: The Girl from Mauritius – On Island Living

Let’s explore an African country together in this episode. And no, it’s not Nigeria, haha.

Welcome to the Island, peeps! This African island boasts of enviable beaches for destination weddings. It is a religiously diverse nation, with freedom of religion given as a constitutional right and the only African country with a Hindu majority. As Hawaii is seen drifting away from the continental US, so is this country relative to Africa when viewed on a map. It’s also a country close to Madagascar and the only known habitat of the now-extinct bird – dodo.

Mark Twain once quipped that Heaven was copied after this country and Lewis Carroll was inspired by the dodo to write his famous book “Alice in Wonderland” in 1865. Life expectancy here is well higher than the world average and is well above the average for African countries.

Welcome to Mauritius – one of only four countries in the world with no involvement in ongoing international or domestic conflicts and no tensions with neighboring countries. The others being Botswana, Chile, and Uruguay.. As a result, Mauritius does not maintain a standing army.

I invited Selena – who I describe as a spunky, ethnically-ambiguous, culturally-rich, cosmopolitan, Mauritian gal - to talk about her country’s history, its unique aspects, and what her identity and nationality mean to her.

We also talked about her overcoming body image issues, experiences as a US immigrant, and how she responds to questions about her origin.

Mo SibylJuly 11, 2019Femalefriendships, womensupportingwomen, bullying, womeninSTEM, trauma, overcomingobstacles, Denver, Colorado, Patreon, podcast, monologue, failure, podcastshownotes, culture, themoresibylpodcast, podcaster, podcastsofinstagram, podcastshows, process, gratitude, Nigerianpodcasters, naijapodcast, podcastsincolor, season2, LUTH, Idiaraba, Muslim, Islam, author, glossophobia, Egyptian, AmericanMuslim, Egypt, MuslimAmerican, culturaldifference, Arab, MiddleEastern, woman, Quran, Plano, writer, Illinois, Hijab, ESL, Alexandria, pluralism, Ramadan, AlexandriaUniversity, Nigerianyouth, entrepreneur, forensicaccounting, EFCC, internationalstudents, BlackandGold, seamstress, UCO, Edmond, ZetaSigma, AlphaPhiAlpha, GreekFraternities, Nigeriantailors, garmentory, MissBlackandGold, Dilationandcurettage, HSG, hydrosalpinx, brassovaries, fertility, AMH, Momsinthemaking, IVF, ovariancysts, fibroids, surrogacy, happymothersday, therapy, miscarriage, pregnancyloss, miscarriageawareness, angelmom, ttc, ttccommunity, lifeafterloss, grievingmother, Schizophrenia, catatonic, schizoaffective, auditory, visual, cult, sexualabuse, mentalhealth, spirituality, hallucinations, mentalhealthstigma, depression, schizophreniaawareness, mentalhealthawareness, voices, paranoia, lovetriangle, mania, tribe, nigerianyouth, jobseeking, religion, Here, Ovariancyst, endometriosis, womenshealth, advocacy, obgyn, adenomyosis, pregnancyoutcomes, casepresentation, askthegynecologist, reddegeneration, Hispanicparadox, menstruation, heavyperiods, Lupron, Nicaragua, Istanbul, Ankara, Turkey, Populism Chicago, Polsci, UIC, Argentina, History, socialsciences, Austin, Texas, ottomanempire, Byzantine, internationalrelations, Israel, Hagia Sophia, Peru, Argentine, BuenosAire, MercedesSosa, teaching, mentors, impostersyndrome, Citizenscience, DermatofibrosarcomaProtuberans, canceradvocacy, CaPTC, PEPFAR, cancer, cancersurvivor, epidemiology, clinicaltrials, Nigeria, publichealth, HIV, Nigeriangovernment, cancerfree, religiosity, cancerresearch, cancerscreening, Lagosstate, LASG, cancerawareness, sarcoma, Lupus, STEM, sarcoidosis, lupus, phyno, africanprincess, africanroyalty, womenwithPhD, NigerianPhDs, minoritytax, TAPApodcast, raredisease, BernieMac, healthoutcomes, Hindu, Mauritius, FrenchCreole, UniversityofCentralOklahoma, French, internationalpeople, Malaysia, Madagascar, dodobird, FlicenFlacBeach, MarkTwain, LewisCarroll, AliceinWonderland, Africanhistory, Africans, IndianOceans, Bhojpuri, Seggae, LifeComment

아프리카 공주| The One with Dr. Ozi: An African Princess in America – On Imposter Syndrome at Work and in Marriage: Episode 16 (2019)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Dr. Ozi: Tales of an African Princess in America – On Imposter Syndrome at Work and in Marriage

What do you call it when two podcasters come together to talk about podcasting (and so much more) on a podcast? A meta-fricking moment! Today, you guys get not one, but two African royalties, both with PhDs, dripping in finesse and sauce. In this episode with Dr. Ozi of the Tales of an African Princess in America Podcast, we unpacked a lot on imposter syndrome, its root causes, impact on our work and marriages, and how we have tried tackling it. We also talked about the importance of having mentors, not only in the workplace. If anything, you also get to hear two nerds gush about their research. Special shout-out to Mr. Kenny (from Episode 30, 2018) who made this connection happen!

Ozi is a fashion guru who lives in the music city of Nashville, Tennessee where she does research on sarcoidosis. #Peng

Mo SibylJuly 4, 2019Femalefriendships, womensupportingwomen, bullying, womeninSTEM, trauma, overcomingobstacles, Denver, Colorado, Patreon, podcast, monologue, failure, podcastshownotes, culture, themoresibylpodcast, podcaster, podcastsofinstagram, podcastshows, process, gratitude, Nigerianpodcasters, naijapodcast, podcastsincolor, season2, LUTH, Idiaraba, Muslim, Islam, author, glossophobia, Egyptian, AmericanMuslim, Egypt, MuslimAmerican, culturaldifference, Arab, MiddleEastern, woman, Quran, Plano, writer, Illinois, Hijab, ESL, Alexandria, pluralism, Ramadan, AlexandriaUniversity, Nigerianyouth, entrepreneur, forensicaccounting, EFCC, internationalstudents, BlackandGold, seamstress, UCO, Edmond, ZetaSigma, AlphaPhiAlpha, GreekFraternities, Nigeriantailors, garmentory, MissBlackandGold, Dilationandcurettage, HSG, hydrosalpinx, brassovaries, fertility, AMH, Momsinthemaking, IVF, ovariancysts, fibroids, surrogacy, happymothersday, therapy, miscarriage, pregnancyloss, miscarriageawareness, angelmom, ttc, ttccommunity, lifeafterloss, grievingmother, Schizophrenia, catatonic, schizoaffective, auditory, visual, cult, sexualabuse, mentalhealth, spirituality, hallucinations, mentalhealthstigma, depression, schizophreniaawareness, mentalhealthawareness, voices, paranoia, lovetriangle, mania, tribe, nigerianyouth, jobseeking, religion, Here, Ovariancyst, endometriosis, womenshealth, advocacy, obgyn, adenomyosis, pregnancyoutcomes, casepresentation, askthegynecologist, reddegeneration, Hispanicparadox, menstruation, heavyperiods, Lupron, Nicaragua, Istanbul, Ankara, Turkey, Populism Chicago, Polsci, UIC, Argentina, History, socialsciences, Austin, Texas, ottomanempire, Byzantine, internationalrelations, Israel, Hagia Sophia, Peru, Argentine, BuenosAire, MercedesSosa, teaching, mentors, impostersyndrome, Citizenscience, DermatofibrosarcomaProtuberans, canceradvocacy, CaPTC, PEPFAR, cancer, cancersurvivor, epidemiology, clinicaltrials, Nigeria, publichealth, HIV, Nigeriangovernment, cancerfree, religiosity, cancerresearch, cancerscreening, Lagosstate, LASG, cancerawareness, sarcoma, Lupus, STEM, sarcoidosis, lupus, phyno, africanprincess, africanroyalty, womenwithPhD, NigerianPhDs, minoritytax, TAPApodcast, raredisease, BernieMac, healthoutcomesComment

암 생존자| The One with Mr. Lanre Jacob - The Two-time Nigerian Cancer Survivor: Episode 15 (2019)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Mr. Lanre Jacob – The Two-time Nigerian Cancer Survivor

Cancer has become a major source of mortality and morbidity in Nigeria, and with the growing population, impact of westernization, sedentary lifestyle coupled with genetic factors, cancer is on the rise. Today’s guest – Mr. Lanre Jacob of the Lanre Jacob Sarcoma Foundation - has survived cancer not once but twice IN NIGERIA. His cancer experience spans three decades with multiple surgeries that have taken a considerable chunk of his head. As a cancer survivor, he went beyond the last stop of the cancer control continuum (survivorship) to become a cancer advocate.

In this episode, we began with his life before diagnosis, the diagnosis odyssey he went through, delayed treatment due to ignorance, and why he is passionate about using his voice to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Nigeria. We also explored potential opportunities for religious leaders and cancer survivors to lead the campaign in cancer education, reducing stigma, and advocacy. Finally, drawing parallels from our fight against HIV, we talked about why cancer is a war Nigeria is not ready to win given its weak healthcare infrastructure, low budgetary allocation for health, and poor engagement in cancer research.

All in all, I hope this episode serves as a cue for you to go visit your doctor to get a run-down of your numbers and explore potential risk factors, especially for cancer.

Mo SibylJune 27, 2019Femalefriendships, womensupportingwomen, bullying, womeninSTEM, trauma, overcomingobstacles, Denver, Colorado, Patreon, podcast, monologue, failure, podcastshownotes, culture, themoresibylpodcast, podcaster, podcastsofinstagram, podcastshows, process, gratitude, Nigerianpodcasters, naijapodcast, podcastsincolor, season2, LUTH, Idiaraba, Muslim, Islam, author, glossophobia, Egyptian, AmericanMuslim, Egypt, MuslimAmerican, culturaldifference, Arab, MiddleEastern, woman, Quran, Plano, writer, Illinois, Hijab, ESL, Alexandria, pluralism, Ramadan, AlexandriaUniversity, Nigerianyouth, entrepreneur, forensicaccounting, EFCC, internationalstudents, BlackandGold, seamstress, UCO, Edmond, ZetaSigma, AlphaPhiAlpha, GreekFraternities, Nigeriantailors, garmentory, MissBlackandGold, Dilationandcurettage, HSG, hydrosalpinx, brassovaries, fertility, AMH, Momsinthemaking, IVF, ovariancysts, fibroids, surrogacy, happymothersday, therapy, miscarriage, pregnancyloss, miscarriageawareness, angelmom, ttc, ttccommunity, lifeafterloss, grievingmother, Schizophrenia, catatonic, schizoaffective, auditory, visual, cult, sexualabuse, mentalhealth, spirituality, hallucinations, mentalhealthstigma, depression, schizophreniaawareness, mentalhealthawareness, voices, paranoia, lovetriangle, mania, tribe, nigerianyouth, jobseeking, religion, Here, Ovariancyst, endometriosis, womenshealth, advocacy, obgyn, adenomyosis, pregnancyoutcomes, casepresentation, askthegynecologist, reddegeneration, Hispanicparadox, menstruation, heavyperiods, Lupron, Nicaragua, Istanbul, Ankara, Turkey, Populism Chicago, Polsci, UIC, Argentina, History, socialsciences, Austin, Texas, ottomanempire, Byzantine, internationalrelations, Israel, Hagia Sophia, Peru, Argentine, BuenosAire, MercedesSosa, teaching, mentors, impostersyndrome, Citizenscience, DermatofibrosarcomaProtuberans, canceradvocacy, CaPTC, PEPFAR, cancer, cancersurvivor, epidemiology, clinicaltrials, Nigeria, publichealth, HIV, Nigeriangovernment, cancerfree, religiosity, cancerresearch, cancerscreening, Lagosstate, LASG, cancerawareness, sarcomaComment

친구의 이야기|The One with Princess Angela – Nigerian-Born, US-Educated, Canadian-Living, Introversive Friend: Episode 14 (2019)

친구의 이야기|The One with Princess Angela – Nigerian-Born, US-Educated, Canadian-Living, Introversive Friend: Episode 14

The awkward conversations replete in today’s episode is made possible by my guest and friend - Angela; a real-life princess (things I do for you guys, honestly), one of my privileged, certified haters (because I don’t even acknowledge the rest), and a dear friend who is totally in awe of my awesomeness.

Angela is the last of 10 kids, which explains why she is really spoilt. She is a geology scientist and one of the many victims of the oil market collapse, which caused her to seek greener pastures in the oil-abundant area of Calgary, Canada. But as all that glitters isn’t always oil and in need of a job, she did a two-minute elevator speech of her resume. So prospective employers, if you are need of skills like hers, kindly email her on angieluwa@gmail.com

Angela has overcome a lot to be where she is today, especially a delicate, high-risk surgery to treat her chronic back pain from sciatica. And I could not be more proud of her, especially her resolve to find meaningfulness in suffering. That said, I will wish for her to quit her chronic staple diet of Yoruba Demons (and I speak freely on this issue as a Yoruba person) as they have brought nothing but indigestion to her. So, I conducted an intervention for that, and she also used the opportunity to talk about what she wants in a mate. So if you are single and NOT YORUBA, kindly inquire within.

Most importantly, Angela is kind, caring, very thoughtful, and genuine. She will always be unforgettable for a lot of reasons – chief among is how she worked in cahoots with my husband to throw me a surprise party for my 30th birthday that had over 60 people in attendance. I am yet to forgive this transgression.

Love you, Angie. 2,999 times!

Mo SibylJune 20, 2019Femalefriendships, womensupportingwomen, bullying, womeninSTEM, trauma, overcomingobstacles, Denver, Colorado, Patreon, podcast, monologue, failure, podcastshownotes, culture, themoresibylpodcast, podcaster, podcastsofinstagram, podcastshows, process, gratitude, Nigerianpodcasters, naijapodcast, podcastsincolor, season2, LUTH, Idiaraba, Muslim, Islam, author, glossophobia, Egyptian, AmericanMuslim, Egypt, MuslimAmerican, culturaldifference, Arab, MiddleEastern, woman, Quran, Plano, writer, Illinois, Hijab, ESL, Alexandria, pluralism, Ramadan, AlexandriaUniversity, Nigerianyouth, entrepreneur, forensicaccounting, EFCC, internationalstudents, BlackandGold, seamstress, UCO, Edmond, ZetaSigma, AlphaPhiAlpha, GreekFraternities, Nigeriantailors, garmentory, MissBlackandGold, Dilationandcurettage, HSG, hydrosalpinx, brassovaries, fertility, AMH, Momsinthemaking, IVF, ovariancysts, fibroids, surrogacy, happymothersday, therapy, miscarriage, pregnancyloss, miscarriageawareness, angelmom, ttc, ttccommunity, lifeafterloss, grievingmother, Schizophrenia, catatonic, schizoaffective, auditory, visual, cult, sexualabuse, mentalhealth, spirituality, hallucinations, mentalhealthstigma, depression, schizophreniaawareness, mentalhealthawareness, voices, paranoia, lovetriangle, mania, tribe, nigerianyouth, jobseeking, religion, Here, Ovariancyst, endometriosis, womenshealth, advocacy, obgyn, adenomyosis, pregnancyoutcomes, casepresentation, askthegynecologist, reddegeneration, Hispanicparadox, menstruation, heavyperiods, Lupron, Nicaragua, Istanbul, Ankara, Turkey, Populism Chicago, Polsci, UIC, Argentina, History, socialsciences, Austin, Texas, ottomanempire, Byzantine, internationalrelations, Israel, Hagia Sophia, Peru, Argentine, BuenosAire, MercedesSosa, teaching, mentors, impostersyndromeComment

교회와 사회| The One with COZA - When Church Goes Wrong: Lessons from Pain: Episode 13 (2019)

교회와 사회| The One with COZA - When Church Goes Wrong: Lessons from Pain: Episode 13

In light of the COZA events, a guest and I explored societal influences on the churches' reactions to such happenings. Also, a take on cultural influence on religion and reverence for men of God, and so much more.

Best,

Mo SibylJune 18, 2019Femalefriendships, womensupportingwomen, bullying, womeninSTEM, trauma, overcomingobstacles, Denver, Colorado, Patreon, podcast, monologue, failure, podcastshownotes, culture, themoresibylpodcast, podcaster, podcastsofinstagram, podcastshows, process, gratitude, Nigerianpodcasters, naijapodcast, podcastsincolor, season2, LUTH, Idiaraba, Muslim, Islam, author, glossophobia, Egyptian, AmericanMuslim, Egypt, MuslimAmerican, culturaldifference, Arab, MiddleEastern, woman, Quran, Plano, writer, Illinois, Hijab, ESL, Alexandria, pluralism, Ramadan, AlexandriaUniversity, Nigerianyouth, entrepreneur, forensicaccounting, EFCC, internationalstudents, BlackandGold, seamstress, UCO, Edmond, ZetaSigma, AlphaPhiAlpha, GreekFraternities, Nigeriantailors, garmentory, MissBlackandGold, Dilationandcurettage, HSG, hydrosalpinx, brassovaries, fertility, AMH, Momsinthemaking, IVF, ovariancysts, fibroids, surrogacy, happymothersday, therapy, miscarriage, pregnancyloss, miscarriageawareness, angelmom, ttc, ttccommunity, lifeafterloss, grievingmother, Schizophrenia, catatonic, schizoaffective, auditory, visual, cult, sexualabuse, mentalhealth, spirituality, hallucinations, mentalhealthstigma, depression, schizophreniaawareness, mentalhealthawareness, voices, paranoia, lovetriangle, mania, tribe, nigerianyouth, jobseeking, religion, Here, Ovariancyst, endometriosis, womenshealth, advocacy, obgyn, adenomyosis, pregnancyoutcomes, casepresentation, askthegynecologist, reddegeneration, Hispanicparadox, menstruation, heavyperiods, Lupron, Nicaragua, Istanbul, Ankara, Turkey, Populism Chicago, Polsci, UIC, Argentina, History, socialsciences, Austin, Texas, ottomanempire, Byzantine, internationalrelations, Israel, Hagia Sophia, Peru, Argentine, BuenosAire, MercedesSosa, teaching, mentors, impostersyndromeComment

터키 모험가| The One with Mine Tafolar – The Turkish Adventurer: Episode 12 (2019)

Meet Mine Tafolar – Latin American-loving Byzantine lady. I met Mine through a mutual friend of ours – Gio from Nicaragua (hello, Gio! We love you). Mine was born and raised in Istanbul, Turkey, where she studied political science and international relations and history at Bogazici University. She has also worked as a journalist for Hurriyet Daily News and prepared internal and international news stories. She holds an MA degree from the Government Department from the University of Texas at Austin with a thesis titled: Buying Support without Brokers: Conditional Cash Transfers in Turkey and Argentina. Right now, she is a Ph.D. candidate at the Political Science Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She’s lived in Istanbul, Ankara, Austin, Buenos Aires, and Chicago.

In this episode, we talked about her life, Turkish pride, starting a Ph.D. program, transitioning from being a teaching assistant (TA) to a teaching role, teaching tips, how she deals with imposter syndrome, and her strategies for balancing being a newlywed grad student.

Mine is pronounced – Me Nay.

Mo SibylJune 6, 2019Femalefriendships, womensupportingwomen, bullying, womeninSTEM, trauma, overcomingobstacles, Denver, Colorado, Patreon, podcast, monologue, failure, podcastshownotes, culture, themoresibylpodcast, podcaster, podcastsofinstagram, podcastshows, process, gratitude, Nigerianpodcasters, naijapodcast, podcastsincolor, season2, LUTH, Idiaraba, Muslim, Islam, author, glossophobia, Egyptian, AmericanMuslim, Egypt, MuslimAmerican, culturaldifference, Arab, MiddleEastern, woman, Quran, Plano, writer, Illinois, Hijab, ESL, Alexandria, pluralism, Ramadan, AlexandriaUniversity, Nigerianyouth, entrepreneur, forensicaccounting, EFCC, internationalstudents, BlackandGold, seamstress, UCO, Edmond, ZetaSigma, AlphaPhiAlpha, GreekFraternities, Nigeriantailors, garmentory, MissBlackandGold, Dilationandcurettage, HSG, hydrosalpinx, brassovaries, fertility, AMH, Momsinthemaking, IVF, ovariancysts, fibroids, surrogacy, happymothersday, therapy, miscarriage, pregnancyloss, miscarriageawareness, angelmom, ttc, ttccommunity, lifeafterloss, grievingmother, Schizophrenia, catatonic, schizoaffective, auditory, visual, cult, sexualabuse, mentalhealth, spirituality, hallucinations, mentalhealthstigma, depression, schizophreniaawareness, mentalhealthawareness, voices, paranoia, lovetriangle, mania, tribe, nigerianyouth, jobseeking, religion, Here, Ovariancyst, endometriosis, womenshealth, advocacy, obgyn, adenomyosis, pregnancyoutcomes, casepresentation, askthegynecologist, reddegeneration, Hispanicparadox, menstruation, heavyperiods, Lupron, Nicaragua, Istanbul, Ankara, Turkey, Populism Chicago, Polsci, UIC, Argentina, History, socialsciences, Austin, Texas, ottomanempire, Byzantine, internationalrelations, Israel, Hagia Sophia, Peru, Argentine, BuenosAire, MercedesSosa, teaching, mentors, impostersyndromeComment

마음과 건강| The One with Ayokunle Falomo - On Mental Health and Being: Episode 33 (2018)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Ayokunle Falomo

First, happy birthday to me! It’s the second anniversary of my 30th birthday! As a way of saying thank you to you all for being wonderful fans, here’s a bonus episode. It’s also a special one because it depicts my favorite trait in all of its rawness – vulnerability. In this episode, my guest – Mr. Ayokunle Falomo and I traded stories on our struggles with depression, how we cope with it, and how religion can be a cure and curse, depending on how it is wielded. I chose to share this with you all because I think it is important to remind you of the story behind the glory. I also believe that God is not silent when we suffer and that we ought to reject the shame and embrace the hope in Christ. Finally, that: 1) depression is not as uncommon as you think and affects a lot of people, 2) it’s OK not to be OK sometimes, and, 3) there’s always help around the corner.

So, I hope this episode helps someone feel connected and to remind that someone that they are not alone. Don’t give up on fighting and it’s OK to seek help. Here’s me saying that a new day will dawn tomorrow and you’d be there with me to practice your purpose once again; one replete with choosing life and finding ways to be more gentle and compassionate with yourself. That you would always remember to remind yourself that you are enough and always will be.That every baby steps you are taking right now to get back on track are a significant move towards the right path.

PS: We also explored how funnily our depression can be brought on by just not our fear of failure but when we succeed. And how there’s a recurring struggle with purpose and productivity, and how these are tied to our self-worth. Ayokunle Falomo is: a Nigerian, a TEDx speaker, an American, the winner of the 2018 Stacy Doris Memorial Award and the author of kin.DREAD & thread, this wordweaver must! As a poet, his singular mission is to use his pen as a shovel to unearth those things that make us human. He and his work have been featured in print (Local Houston magazine, Glass Mountain) and online (The New York Times, Houston Chronicle, and Berkeley Poetry Review. You can find more information about him and his work at www.kindreadbook.com

내 일본 섬에서| The One with Mai - On Multiculturalism and Being Okinawan-American: Episode 26 (2018)

The More Sibyl Podcast Presents: The One with Mai

Born to an Okinawan mom and an American dad, thus growing up bi-racial in a multi-cultural home meant Mai had to ask tough questions from the start about identity, equality, community, friendships and the like. An aspiring graphic designer and a secretive poet, she uses the arts to continue the journey of those questions, through her multi-cultural marriage, and the community around her. A fighter for love to be in action in all places; who loves hearing the stories of those around her in hopes to build better bridges in all places and with all people. Mai also enjoys the simple pleasures of puppies, coffee, food of all kinds, and summer activities.

In this episode, we talked about her cultural heritage and tips on how to navigate multiculturalism in language, marriage, and expressions.

PS: Okinawan-Japanese is the equivalent of Hawaiian-American; thus, Mai is ethnically Okinawan. Also, it would mean a lot to Mai if you went to see 'Crazy Rich Asians;' according to her "your ticket purchase helps affirm the industry that people want to see diverse leads."

Fun facts about Mai:

Her parents met in Japan when dad was in the US Airforce.
If she speaks too much in one language, her brain gets tired. So, she needs a fine balance of people with whom she can speak English and Japanese.
She spent a lot of time in Japan when growing up. So much so that when she moved back to the US, she was classified as an international student and had to take ESL (English as a second language) classes.

Takeaway Points:

Mai had two very good questions for me as a Nigerian about Nigerians.
Your insight as a multicultural person is always needed and valuable.
Be proud of your heritage.

Notable Quotes from Mai:

“I find the Japanese culture at times fascinating because even though it is a communal society, there is so much pressure on the individual to succeed which sometimes creates a painful tension.”

"In America, it is harder to build quality friendships because it is an individualistic society. Thus, self-love here, ironically, is to schedule spontaneous activities to make sure I spend quality time with my friends."

“Being married to a Chinese-American, we both have to learn how to navigate this space of multiculturalness we share. We both have parallel lives of being able to relate on how it feels to navigate multiple cultures and not really feeling like we belong to anyone in particular.”