Chapter 4

Summary

• Yara encounters two full-time instructors, Amanda and Michelle, as she's leaving her office.
• Amanda, who has bright yellow hair and dull blue eyes, makes a comment about Yara leaving early to pick up her daughters.
• Michelle, who teaches visual communication, questions how Yara completes her work so early, which Yara attributes to determination.
• Amanda somewhat patronizingly asks Yara if being a good mother is a cultural thing, hinting at stereotypes about Yara's Arab background.
• Yara resents the assumption but tries to redirect the conversation, as she often avoids discussing her background to prevent judgment or stereotypes.
• Michelle shifts the topic to a Global Scholars Program Scandinavian Cruise and reads the email about it aloud, capturing Yara's interest.
• Yara remembers her own limited travel experience and wonders what her husband Fadi would think about the opportunity.
• Amanda talks about her past visit to Norway and expresses surprise at Yara's lack of travel experience, which Yara admits to dreaming about.
• Yara expresses her desire to see "The Scream" by Edvard Munch in Oslo, a subject she's discussed in class.
• Michelle encourages Yara to apply for the trip, and the conversation turns to who would watch their children while they're gone.
• Amanda calls Yara sexist for asking who will watch Michelle's kids, while Michelle mentions her support network.
• Yara feels uncomfortable with Amanda's judgment and the topic of family responsibilities.
• Amanda leaves, hinting at competition for the cruise, and Michelle follows.
• Yara reflects on the challenge of satisfying cultural expectations, her desire to do more, and the stereotypes others may hold about her.
• She resists confronting Amanda, fearing it would only reinforce stereotypes or make her an object of pity.
• Yara contemplates identity and privilege as accidents of birth and the lack of empathy people may have regarding this.
• In the parking lot, Yara dwells on the role of chance in life and feels determined to create her own destiny.