Active Voice Returns to Bethel
The English department holds a Zoom meeting with award-winning author Dina Nayeri.
By Zoey Keller
Students and professors gathered in front of their laptop cameras for the chance to talk to Dina Nayeri, author of The Ungrateful Refugee, published in 2019. This kicked off the English and Journalism department’s first Active Voice meeting of the school year.
While engaging in conversation, Bethel students were able to explore the text and learn many life lessons along the way. “Writing is sacred,” Nayeri said to the eager students, who seemed to be writing down every word she said.
Matt Teigland, a Bethel senior, asked, “What does this sacredness in your writing look like?” Nayeri responded that her writing did offend a lot of her family and friends, accusing her of exposing their private lives. But privateness isn’t sacred to her; “Creating is sacred,” she said.
Nayeri was born in Isfahan, Iran, where she spent 8 years there. Her family fled due to religious persecution her mother was facing because of her conversion to Christianity. They found refuge in Rome and Dubai for 2 years and eventually settled in Oklahoma.
Nayeri said that sharing refugee stories could help others heal because they knew they were not alone. Her message to the Bethel community is one of understanding everyone, even if there are differences in appearances.
“Assimilation is growing closer to another person,” Nayeri said. “We do it in little ways every single day. Just love and welcome those around you.”
This message resonated with the Zoom participants. “She is a very passionate, forward-thinking person that wants people from all backgrounds to be able to understand the plight of refugees in America and the rest of the world,” Teigland said.
“She really and truly is so dedicated to making sure that she is true to her own story,” said Chloe Peter, another Bethel student. “She is unapologetically telling her story as an immigrant.”
“It’s a “behind the scenes” perspective that we don’t always hear as readers,” Peter said.
Nayeri’s works include Teaspoon of Earth and Sea (2014), Refuge (2017) and The Ungrateful Refugee (2019). Some of her more recent awards include winner of the Geschwister-Scholl-Preis 2020, finalist in the 2021 Elle Grand Prix Des Lectrices, finalist in the 2019 Kirkus Prize and finalist in the 2019 Los Angeles Times Book Prize.
Active Voice started in 2020 during the peak of COVID-19. “We couldn’t have in-person events but wanted to connect,” English professor Susan Brooks said. They even have special guests such as Nayeri as often as they are able to.
The English & journalism department encourages students to pay attention to the e-announcements for any future Active Voice meetings. “We’ll have additional Active Voice events throughout the year,” Brooks said.
