“I have been connecting with colleagues working in different fields in important and rewarding ways. It has brought me closer certainly to this part of the world and the worlds of migrants who come here, so it has been a meaningful year in terms of broadening my understanding of the world from different perspectives.”
She admits it has been a tough year with terrible tumultuous world events, that have affected her. But still she is looking back and appreciates what she has learnt and highlights the value of engaging in both academic and non-academic communities.
“I’ve learned a lot about myself and my own work, about who I write for and where it is meaningful.”
During the year she and Jonathan Beller has arranged the film series “Moving Worlds”, where the audience to the eight movies took part in important and generous conversations.
“Watching films together and talking about them allowed us to converse with people both inside and outside of the academic community. I have learned the importance of this kind of regular approachable intellectual engagement with people from different backgrounds.”
New Perspectives and Unexpected Beauty
Living and working in Sweden has offered Neferti new insights into migration, racism, and diaspora.
“I’ve learned a lot about the conditions of migrant communities here in Sweden, and the kinds of racism they face, from the wonderful work of my colleagues at REMESO as well as from simply talking to people from other communities.”
She also enjoyed her spare time and was struck by the natural beauty of her surroundings.
“I have been surprised and delighted by the beauty and abundance of natural life in Norrköping. Especially its birds, rabbits, flowers, and trees in the middle of this post-industrial urban setting. But I also had challenging experiences of the extremely short days during the winter.”
Academic Contrasts and Future Commitments
“I have been particularly struck by the very large importance that the state has in the contents and in the framing of intellectual work here in Sweden. This is quite different from what I am used to.”
These experiences have strengthened her commitment to inclusive and globally connected research.
“The Swedish and European perspectives I have encountered have fortified my commitment to exploring alternative methodologies for research that would enable better bridges of communication and exchange, especially with Asia.”
Looking Ahead with Hope
As she prepares to return to the U.S., Neferti remains uncertain about what lies ahead. Still, she finds hope in the resilience and creativity of marginalized communities.
“I intend to continue the work I started but also to explore new ways of learning and working in these challenging times. What gives me hope now is the same as it has always been: the creative and caring capacities of those who are the most dispossessed and today that is centrally the people of Palestine.”