In the vast literature landscape, powerful storytellers weave tales not merely for entertainment but as a reflection of the human condition. Adult Third Culture Kid Aida Mandić is a luminary, her narrative tapestry intricately woven from threads of resilience, empathy and an unwavering commitment to justice.
In an exclusive interview, Mandić delves into the profound experiences that have shaped her prolific career as an author, her unwavering advocacy for social justice and her relentless pursuit of creativity in a world marred by adversity.
TOUGH
Mandić was born amid the tumult of the Bosnian genocide. The harrowing realities of war defined her early years.
“It was tough. If I could describe it in one word, it would be tough,” she recounts.
Sarajevo, her birthplace and the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, bore witness to relentless bombings and unfathomable atrocities. However, amid the chaos, Mandić found solace in the courage of her grandfather, who risked his life to bring her sustenance amid the siege.
“My father was shot by a Serbian Chetnik sniper,” she says.
The scars of war, both physical and emotional, have left an indelible mark on her family. Nevertheless, it’s from this crucible of suffering that Mandić draws her strength, her resolve unyielding in the face of bigotry and discrimination.
“I can’t stand any form of nationalism, racism, sexism,” she says.
This testament is a statement of her unwavering commitment to equality and justice.
Fleeing the ravages of war, Mandić embarked on a nomadic odyssey that would take her from Bosnia to Croatia, from refugee camps in the Czech Republic to the bustling streets of Paris and finally to the shores of Malaysia before finding refuge in the United States.
I can’t stand any form of nationalism, racism, sexism.
“I saw more before the age of 7 than some people see in a lifetime,” she says.
However, Mandić and her family faced hostility and prejudice even in the land of opportunity.
“Go back to your country,” they were told, a stark reminder of the lingering shadows of xenophobia and intolerance.
CREATIVE FIRE
These personal and collective injustices fueled Mandić’s creative fire. Her pen functioned as a potent weapon against the forces of hatred and division.
Mandić’s creative process is a reflection of personal experience as well as a conduit for empathy and understanding.
“I draw inspiration from music, movies and art,” she says.
Her eclectic tastes mirror the kaleidoscopic nature of her storytelling. Mandić’s creative wellspring — from Tupac to Celine Dion, action movies and fashion sketches — knows no bounds.
Nevertheless, the profound injustices she witnessed firsthand served as catalysts for her artistry.
“Four of my friends were raped,” she says.
Creativity is a powerful source of wealth
That anger, tempered by empathy and compassion, drives Mandić to seek justice and inspire change through her work.
“Creativity is a powerful source of wealth,” she says.
Her words are a rallying cry for a world needing healing.
Mandić refuses to let borders or labels confine her in her quest for justice and equality.
“I’m a citizen of the world,” she says.
Her gaze fixed on the horizon of possibility, from Sarajevo’s war-torn streets to the world’s bustling metropolises, Mandić’s journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of storytelling.
Mandić leaves the interview with a parting thought, a poignant reminder of the boundless potential of imagination.
“Every moment has a window of opportunity,” she says.
Her words are a beacon of hope in a world too often shrouded in darkness.
Through her artistry and advocacy, Mandić stands as a guiding light, illuminating the path toward a more just, compassionate and creative world.
To connect with Mandić and explore her vast work, visit her website at aidamandic.com and follow her on TikTok and YouTube for updates and insights into her creative journey.
Stay tuned for the podcast version of the interview, due out soon!
