Kenan Kajan, Zalik, Bosnia & Herzegovina
Bridges that Connect Rather than Divide
Author: Kenan Kajan
In the heart of Mostar, a city known for its rich cultural diversity, I found myself standing in front of the university, clutching my application to study mathematics. It was a time filled with challenges and uncertainties, but I was resolute in my decision—I wanted to enrol in the Mathematics Faculty in Mostar, which followed the Croatian curriculum.
As I stood before the faculty building for the first time, a sense of insecurity crept in. The echoes of past tensions still lingered in the air, and there were whispers that as a Bosniak woman, I might not be welcomed in a faculty that followed the Croatian curriculum. However, I chose to disregard those fears and push forward. The alternative option of studying at the university that followed the Bosnian curriculum, despite lacking a mathematics program, did not appeal to me. Mathematics had been my long-standing passion, and I swiftly dismissed the idea. While I could have chosen to enrol in the same faculty in Sarajevo, where I would be farther away from my family and potentially avoid any potential issues, I decided on Mostar. It was a decision rooted in my lifelong connection to the city and a desire to support my hometown. Additionally, studying in Mostar offered financial advantages compared to studying in Sarajevo.
On the first day, I set forth into the unknown, unsure of what to expect. Despite the negative predictions of others, I remained resilient and unwavering in my determination. The initial semester served as a test of my academic and social abilities. As one of the few students of Bosniak heritage at the university, I felt like a minority. However, instead of withdrawing or isolating myself, I consciously chose to actively engage in campus life and wholeheartedly dedicate myself to my studies, striving to give nothing less than my best.
During my time at the university, I had the privilege of encountering exceptional professors hailing from various parts of the Balkans, including Belgrade, Sarajevo, Zagreb, and Split. It didn’t take long for me to realize that they valued my intellect above all else, disregarding my name or background. Similarly, my fellow students shared a similar mindset, appreciating me for my qualities rather than treating me differently due to my nationality or religion. They embraced me as a passionate student thirsty for knowledge.
Throughout my academic journey, I discovered that mathematics is a universal language that transcends national boundaries. Regardless of our different backgrounds, my peers and I collaborated to solve mathematical problems and learn from one another. The nationalism and prejudices I had anticipated never materialized. On the contrary, studying in Mostar provided me with an opportunity to dismantle stereotypes and foster connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds. I actively participated in various student associations that promoted tolerance and understanding among all students. Along the way, I encountered numerous remarkable individuals and formed friendships that will endure a lifetime.
Furthermore, my decision to study in my hometown proved to be a wise one, not only in terms of personal fulfilment but also from a financial perspective. I was spared from the burden of high living costs and travel expenses, enabling me to focus on my studies and engage more deeply within the local community. As I reflect on my choice to pursue a mathematics degree in Mostar, a sense of pride and satisfaction fills me. It has been a positive experience that demonstrates the universality of knowledge, transcending national boundaries.
Upon completing my five-year academic journey and obtaining a Master’s degree in Mathematics, I was eager to embark on my professional career. Inspired by the dedicated professors at the university, I made the decision to impart my mathematical knowledge to future generations. I eagerly awaited the opportunity to join the teaching staff at one of the schools in Mostar. Soon enough, I received a job offer from a secondary school following the Bosnian curriculum. However, a new wave of fear washed over me, this time regarding how my “Croatian” diploma combined with my Bosniak name might present challenges in my career.
As I entered the oral part of the interview and presented my documentation as proof of my completed studies and qualifications for the position, the following ten seconds felt like an eternity. However, to my relief, none of the things I had feared and worried about came to pass. The director simply looked at me, smiled, expressed satisfaction, and warmly welcomed me to the team. I quickly found my place among my colleagues and established a sense of belonging.
Through daily conversations, the topic of my educational background naturally arose. Many people assumed that I had graduated from a university in Sarajevo, and when they discovered that their assumptions were incorrect, numerous questions followed. Among the most common inquiries were those concerning discrimination. To their pleasant surprise, my responses regarding discrimination and nationalism were negative. I enthusiastically shared my positive experiences during my time at the university and wholeheartedly recommended that others take the same leap, urging them to overcome their own preconceptions and societal pressures.