Teens need a strong sense of identity to keep them grounded as they work through social or cultural obstacles. “Exploring Identity: Teen Voices,” a new initiative of Sharing Our Story (SOS) supported by New Sun Rising, empowers young Pittsburghers — including refugee, immigrant, Black and Jewish teens — by helping them tell their stories through digital media.
Research consistently links strong identity formation with mental well-being. International studies on refugee youth found that a positive sense of identity, combined with supportive environments, promotes resilience, psychosocial health and smoother integration. Other studies show that exploring ethnic and racial identity helps young people develop empathy and strong connections with their peers across backgrounds.
“Teen Voices” builds on SOS’ work amplifying marginalized voices, this time by lifting up teens navigating complex identities in the face of xenophobia, racism and antisemitism.
Read the beginnings of their stories and watch their full video essays.
My mother’s wisdom
—Nengali Saadat, Afghan refugee, Brentwood
My father worked in the American Embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan. When the Taliban took over in 2021, we had to leave. The airport was so busy we could not take the whole family. My mother told my brother and I, “Go with your father.” We had to leave our mother, four sisters and youngest brother behind. The night we were going to the airport, my mother told us, “If you go with your father, you will have a better future.”
به حرف پدرت گوش کن و بهش احترام بذار (“Listen to your father, respect him.”)
The past in me
– Ariella Tseytilin, Russian Jewish, Squirrel Hill
When I go to my babushka’s house, we gaze through the photo albums, lined up like a wall of her history. Sitting on the red blanket atop her bed, we flip through the pictures. Her eyes nostalgically recount her past. I came across a smiling young girl. I didn’t recognize that happy person to be my mama. That’s not the way I think of her.
I think my identity ends up being somewhere between her world and mine. Now, when I look through my babushka’s albums, I see not just the people but my Jewish identity reflected in the pages.
How I got into photography
– Lamont Harris, Black, Hazelwood and Homewood
Every little mistake taught me what I needed to know.
So many interesting things to capture in my lens.
Starting to look at things differently.
Outside my world becomes bigger.
While looking up at the cloud shapes, sunshine and clouds catch my attention.
Movement, shape, lights, all so cool as the clouds move in my video …
I’m glad I found photography and know it’s just one of my gifts.
I can confidently walk into my future knowing my mistakes can continue to lead me.
Our identity, my story
– Emma Ibarra-Roman, Latina, Brookline
A girl once said that she felt alone moving to the states. She couldn’t connect with others the way she wished. She was changing herself just to find someone to be with. They were immigrants from Nepal. Even though she was young when she moved, she sensed things weren’t the same. Disconnected from family, culture, the roots she was born with, she wasn’t home. I realize that even though we come from different cultures, we are the same.
My dance story
– Priyanshi Parshai, Nepali immigrant, Rostraver
The long spiral stair case led down into the dark never-ending hallway.
My stomach turned with unwavering nervousness.
Cold sweat beaded on my head.
I was a six-year-old in North Dakota learning Nepali dance.
Wow! How did my sister get me into this mess?
Sharing Our Story brings belonging
Through hands-on workshops, SOS teaches creative and technical skills to produce digital stories rooted in lived experiences. When teens see their stories valued, they experience deeper belonging and agency. They also gain confidence in sharing their voices to challenge harmful narratives and stereotypes.
Research shows that teaching young people about injustice benefits all children: It validates the lived experiences of minority youth, while fostering empathy and understanding among their nonminority peers. This dual impact creates space for meaningful dialogue and social connection.
To ensure inclusivity, SOS collaborates with trusted community partners — Casa San Jose, Center of Life, Jewish Family and Community Services, the Bhutanese Community Association and Temple Sinai. The program’s reach extends beyond the young voices anchoring it. Teens will share their digital stories at free events that invite the community into dialogue, building a more inclusive, empathetic community for all.
– Sally Rafson, Sharing Our Story
These featured teens and others will share their stories during a live workshop of “Exploring Identity: Teen Voices,” happening 2-4 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh. Registration is free.
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