Assalamu Alaikum, As a new Muslim, I am still growing in my faith and religious identity. To be honest I am shy about my faith. I didn't quite know how to explain my faith or choices to my family, colleagues, and friends. I have yet to commit to the hijab. As an older muslimah, I don't quite know where I belong in the community. Yet, the events of this past week changed it all. On the day of election, a colleague shared her negative opinion on Islam. It shocked me, confused me, saddened me, and broke me. Then Donald Trump came out as the winner and our country's map was awashed in a sea of red. A majority that voted for a president that was very vocal about his plans for immigrants and Muslims. The combination of the two events broke the ideals that I thought our nation represented: respect and acceptance for diversity. For the first time in my life, I felt an adamant threat to my future and it's liberties. A threat that was not just outside the community I lived in, but a threat that existed in my very place of work, school. As I scrambled to put myself together emotionally, treating myself to coffee, lunch, and sweets; I realized that none of these things would fix the real problem. I had to fix it myself. So for the first time in my life, I put on the hijab and went to work at school. I fearlessly enter my office shared with colleagues and claimed my place. I tried to be as normal as I could walking the halls, even though I was really feeling nervous and scared, and very fragile. I nonetheless had put on my hijab with a mission. I wanted to be visible for two purposes. One, for those who felt safe and unchallenged in their hate. "I am here. I am Muslim. Accept me or not, but I will not tolerate religious hatred. I will occupy and share this space as I am rightfully suppose to". Two, I wanted my Muslim students to see me. To show them, "I am here, and it is safe". This week, I accomplished the unthinkable and found my place and purpose in the community. For once I stopped doubting myself and wore the hijab. I realized, I don't need anyone's permission or acceptance. The choice is mine. I also learned how important it is to be visible and vocal, not just to fight for my rights but so i could fight for the rights of my Muslim students. In doing so, I initiated a new diversity task force that will allow engagements between Muslim parent and teachers, alongside with forums for Muslim students to share their feelings and receive support. Alhamdulillah, Allah works in miraculous ways. He gave me a purpose and courage to take a stand. This experience is evidence of the resilience and change that is happening in response to the hate occurring in our nation today. Let love trump hate. -Elementary Paraeducator
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