What’s it like to be an Asian woman from Nepal living in Chicago? I get asked what I am

I am from Nepal, and I have a good life. I didn’t grow up around a lot of violence. My parents provided me with food, the safety of a home, financial security, and the privilege of education, so I cannot say I struggled hard as a child. I lived in a bubble: I grew up around people who looked like me and belonged to a similar socio-economic background.

When I first integrated into a different community with people of many races, I was excited and nervous because my knowledge until then had come from shows on television, which I must say does not depict the real American. Everything on American television is so dramatic.

After pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies in Maine, I moved to Logan Square in Chicago, and even though I’m used to being scrutinized — in Nepal I was judged for my skin tone and size — here I feel examined for every detail of my physical appearance and what comes with it.

Most people cannot guess what I am because I don’t fit the stereotypical ideas of an Asian-looking person. (Though I have been asked a few times if I am half Korean.)

When I say my name is Anjana, I often get these questions: Where is that from? What does it mean? Is it a common name in your country? I usually have all my answers…