Faduma (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

I don’t get it. Most people here are nice, but every now and then, there’s this look, this comment. At the store: “Do you even speak English?” At school: “Why do you wear that on your head?” They’re not mean, not really. I think they just don’t know better. But still, it hurts. My hijab isn’t weird; it’s part of who I am. Somalia is part of who I am. I wish people would ask me about my culture instead of assuming I don’t belong. I’m just like any other kid, trying to fit in, while keeping my family’s traditions alive.