My mom ran to the phone - I could tell she was fearful. My own trepidation was initiated when she would not tell me what happened. This was the first time I was exposed to my mother’s weak side. Through thick and thin, she has always provided us with a strong sense of security. I knew something dreadful happened when I ran to my father, who was tensely watching CNN. Holding onto every word, I heard the spokesperson, “Three Muslims in the Chapel Hill-Raleigh area have been killed.” Everything suddenly made sense; my mom was calling to check on my two cousins at UNC. I never expected the prominence of the lack of jurisdiction on my life as a Muslim to be put into perspective.
On February 10, 2015, a man named Craig Stephen Hicks took the lives of Deah, Yusor, and Razan, each of whom were friends of my family. This lurid crime touched the hearts of thousands across the world and the families of practicing Muslims. The killer likely knew nothing of the lives he took, nor of the religion he attacked. This act of inhumanity left a deep mark on my life as I witnessed the firsthand affect it had on my family. That day left me with a calling …show more content…
In grade school, my mantra was: “Not all Muslims are terrorists.” As I got older, my mantra transformed to: “Islam is a religion of peace.” While these statements are true, they expose what is wrong with society. I should not be forced to defend my religion or race because of the actions of a few individuals. No person should face this struggle no matter their background.
I am in pursuit of a higher education because every day I am a witness to how much I do not know. I am on a journey to better myself in hopes that one day I can better my community. I am only equipped with the experiences I have been given, thus I believe it is my duty to continue sharing these experiences as well as learning from those around
On February 10, 2015, a man named Craig Stephen Hicks took the lives of Deah, Yusor, and Razan, each of whom were friends of my family. This lurid crime touched the hearts of thousands across the world and the families of practicing Muslims. The killer likely knew nothing of the lives he took, nor of the religion he attacked. This act of inhumanity left a deep mark on my life as I witnessed the firsthand affect it had on my family. That day left me with a calling …show more content…
In grade school, my mantra was: “Not all Muslims are terrorists.” As I got older, my mantra transformed to: “Islam is a religion of peace.” While these statements are true, they expose what is wrong with society. I should not be forced to defend my religion or race because of the actions of a few individuals. No person should face this struggle no matter their background.
I am in pursuit of a higher education because every day I am a witness to how much I do not know. I am on a journey to better myself in hopes that one day I can better my community. I am only equipped with the experiences I have been given, thus I believe it is my duty to continue sharing these experiences as well as learning from those around