Reflections on Module 1 Assignment: on Alienation and Nostalgia

I am finally done with my Module 1 assignment, and I have to admit that it was a challenge for several reasons. One is the fact that the interview was carried in my native language--Arabic-- and when I was translating, I was doing my best to capture the essence of what Amal was saying. Also another challenge was that she mentioned alot of good points highlighting the struggles of Sudanese women, all of which are worthy of mentioning and highlighting to the world. However, the word count was a limit, and I had to focus my story angle to Public Order Law.
Another thing was the alienation and nostalgia I have been feeling. It is indeed a tough thing to be far away from one's homeland, and being far from capturing the day-to-day struggles of women there. I find my soul over there in Sudan. Yet my presence in the US brings me back to the painful reality: I am still not there. I feel both alienated and yet I am not physically present with them. I hope through talking with activists from over there, I will be comforted that I am magnifying their voices, and I am still with them. I will do my best to overcome those sad feelings so that I am able to capture the struggles of women there. I also hope that the days ahead bring better lives for the women in Sudan, and everywhere.
Last but not least, I did exceed the word limit, and so I had to go back and chop off a good chunk of the article. I got too excited and for some reason I though that the word limit was 1500. So I went back and chopped off the extra words. I will submit the new article tomorrow. I am thankful for my mentors who assured me of its quality after I have decreased the words. It still managed to convey the same essence.
It was indeed a wonderful thing to be able to write about critical issues. I feel blessed to be amongst all of you.

Much love,

Anab