Side by Side: Teenager's Rooms

37 My room "reflects the lifestyle of a Pakistani teen who has resided in Illinois for the past seven years. On first glimpse the room may look Americanized, but if one makes a detailed tour foreign elements can be discovered. In addition, my childish self as well as my maturing self can be found in the various objects my room holds. One shelf holds stuffed animals and dolls collected over the years. The most respected of these toys is an orange stuffed teddy bear whom I've had since I was four months old and lived in Algeria. The next shelf holds awards that I won in junior high. Under the last level is a box with a jumble of tapes ranging from American music to Spanish ballads and Pakistani rock. My closet is perhaps one of the most interesting things to examine. The left half holds all my foreign clothes and the right side holds my American clothes. My shoes also reflect the cultural difference. I have 'chapals', or dressy slippers, from Pakistan mixed with American sneakers and leather pumps."

Ambar Zobairi, 16 years old, Carbondale, IL

• Ann Melone, 16 years old, Carbondale, IL
• Valerie Das, 16 years old, Carbondale, IL

© Illinois State Museum 05-Dec-96