Constructing Identities over Time

Abstract

Academic success is inseparable from personal relationships, which were absolutely critical to persevere during field research, achieve the milestones, and at times even supersede my own expectations. The list of such people is inexhaustible; I am grateful to my friends and family, who have always been open and interested in listening, and who showed empathy, support, and encouragement regardless what direction my research or life took. I am thankful to my closest friends, especially Liz Hammond, who supported me through all the challenges of working on this book while balancing family, life, and other obligations.I am immeasurably appreciative of my family's encouragement. My parents in particular have been the most inspirational people in my life. I learned to value joy as much as hardship and difficulties, finding challenges, rewards, and even times of neglect equally constructive for my personality, stamina, optimism, and sense of fairness, which were necessary to embark on, go through, and finish research for this book. I am immensely grateful to my husband and "partner in crime," Jason. After a long day doing fieldwork, we met in a bar for the first time, where he unassumingly listened to me. He asked me if I preferred "chips or crisps" as a subtle attempt to find out where I was from. Then we talked about our home, which none of us defined in terms of a country. He listened attentively and humbly, just the way I was attempting to listen to others during fieldwork-the way I wish we all listened to each other.I dedicate this book to my children, Verny and Sasha, who I hope will grow up in a more inclusive and just world.