I'm excited to talk with Shama Shams, a writer who has traveled a long road to become a runner up with "What Does It Take to Be American?" in the Q2 2025 Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest. You can learn more about Shama at https://www.writershama.com/
WOW: Congratulations on being a runner up in the Creative Nonfiction Essay Contest. "What Does It Take to Be American?" addresses the negative reactions to their "otherness" that immigrants face. What made you decide that this piece was the one to enter in the contest?
Shama: I chose to submit What Does It Take to Be American? because I believe that storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to challenge harmful narratives and provoke meaningful dialogue. Given the current political climate—where xenophobia and anti-immigrant rhetoric are becoming increasingly normalized—I felt compelled to use my voice to advocate for those of us who are often viewed as "other." Writing, for me, is an act of resistance. It allows me to shine a light on lived experiences that are frequently overlooked or misunderstood, and to humanize the complexities of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience. This piece, in particular, felt urgent. It not only reflects my personal journey but also speaks to a larger truth shared by many immigrants: that being American is not about how we look or where we come from, but about how we show up, contribute, and care for our communities.
WOW: You came to the United States as a child. Can you tell us about a moment when you began to feel that you were truly American?
Shama: With all honesty, I can't say that I’ve ever truly felt like I was fully American. While I’ve lived in the U.S. for most of my life, built my career here, raised my children here, and contributed to my community in countless ways, there’s still a lingering sense of unbelonging. It’s the feeling that no matter how much I achieve or how long I stay, I can still be seen as an outsider. There’s always a quiet fear that someone, somewhere, will tell me to “go back home”—as if I don’t already belong here, as if my roots are conditional.
For many immigrants, “being American” isn’t just about citizenship or years lived in this country; it’s about whether others accept you as one of their own. And when that acceptance is always in question, it’s hard to fully claim an identity that doesn’t always claim you back.
WOW: Tell us a little about how you became a writer.
Shama: I became a writer long before I ever learned how to read or write. As a child, I was left alone often, and in that solitude, I created entire worlds in my mind. I would draw wavy lines on paper and pretend I was writing—telling stories only I could see. It was my way of making sense of the world around me, of giving voice to thoughts and feelings I didn’t yet have the language for. Storytelling became my safe space, a place where I could be my truest self without fear or interruption. Over time, as I learned the actual mechanics of writing, I realized I already knew the heart of it: the desire to be heard, to be understood, and to connect. Writing has always been my refuge, my rebellion, and my way of reaching out.
Shama: It used to be incredibly challenging to write about my past. Revisiting painful memories often felt like reopening wounds that had never fully healed. But over time—through years of therapy, self-reflection, and personal growth—I’ve reached a place where writing about those experiences feels less like reliving the pain and more like reclaiming my story. It’s no longer something I avoid; it’s something I do with intention. Now, writing about my past has become a form of clarity, empowerment, and even healing—not just for me, but I hope for others who see themselves reflected in my words.
WOW: You work in the nonprofit sector and teach, as well as serving various organizations in your community. Do you feel these activities influence/improve your writing?
Shama: Absolutely. Working in the nonprofit sector and teaching have deeply influenced and strengthened my storytelling, both in writing and in how I communicate with others. Every day, I encounter real stories—stories of struggle, resilience, injustice, and hope. These experiences constantly remind me of the power of narrative to connect, to heal, and to advocate. Whether I’m writing a grant proposal, teaching students how to find their voice, or helping a community member share their journey, I’m always practicing the art of translating truth into something that moves people. These roles have sharpened my ability to listen deeply and write with empathy and purpose. They’ve taught me that storytelling isn’t just a craft—it’s a responsibility.
WOW: Are there any other topics, genres or types of writing you'd like to explore?
Shama: Yes, absolutely. I recently completed a new manuscript titled Dreamers, which explores the pursuit of the American Dream through the voices of over twenty immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Each story reflects a different path—some filled with hope, others marked by heartbreak—but all connected by a shared longing for safety, opportunity, and belonging. It was an incredibly meaningful project for me, both as a writer and as an immigrant myself. I’m currently in the process of finding the right publisher to bring this book into the world. Beyond that, I’m always open to exploring new genres, particularly those that center marginalized voices and challenge dominant narratives—whether that’s through essays, short fiction, or even a return to poetry.
WOW: Good luck with Dreamers and we hope to read more of your work in the future.
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