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Sofia describes her journey to understanding her own identity through the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom.  Her story illustrates the ways in which spiritual wisdom coincides with academic wisdom, and how a balance of different forms of knowledge have contributed to her own world view.  Sofia is also a recipient of MALA’s Scholarship Program for […]

Laurel Hilbert: A Journey Towards Peace Laurel Allen Hilbert is the Founder and CEO of A Dignified Home Children and Youth Services. A native of Syria, he came to this country in 2013, where he experienced firsthand the challenges and difficulties of being homeless. Prior to founding A Dignified Home, his professional background included experience as

Twen Beyene: Home is Where the Heart is Twen Beyene grew up in a completely different world than where she lives now. Her days were spent without electricity, technology and many of the luxuries so many take for granted. But she treasures her old life as she continues on in her new, recognizing how the

t’s not uncommon for immigrants to have an identity crisis, and Karim El-Araby knows that story all too well. But with the challenges of starting a new life in the U.S. comes the opportunity to blend with so many other cultures and create a new, blended identity of your own. This story is part of

Asad is a student at NYU, and discusses how his perception of identity has changed throughout his journey as an organizer, advocate, and a student.  He explains how the obstacles he has faced have informed how he thinks about identity, and propelled him towards new perspectives and confidence as an intellectual. Asad is also a

In her story, Fathima describes the difficulty in navigating two different cultures as a woman, and her struggle to reconcile her cultural and religious heritage with her ambition to pursue higher educational and a professional career. Fathima is also a recipient of MALA’s Scholarship Program for 2018. “Girls shouldn’t read so much.” “Girls shouldn’t dress

Maryia describes the excitement, confusion, and–above all else–the hard work that came with moving to the U.S. from Eastern Europe when she was 11 years old.  Since arriving, she has found a wealth of exciting relationships and  opportunities. Mariya hopes that her optimism, adaptability, and tenacity will help her achieve her dreams in becoming a

Sofia Babool: The Hyphen Sofia shares her personal journey on reconnecting with her Pakistani cultural heritage. She came to the understanding that, while identity can be complex, there is beauty within the metamorphosis of change. Her story sends the powerful message that failure is often a symptom of progress, and that self identity is constantly

Assita Barro could barely speak English a year ago but is now thriving in all classes and tests back in the States. In her story she shares the difficult transition from Africa to the U.S. but how she persevered through it all, knowing that one day her name would be attached to something great. This

Zagham Chaudry has always wanted to fight for the rights of others, but when his own rights were put into question after 9/11, everything changed. In his story, Chaudry shares how his civil rights felt like they were taken away, and how being optimistic and respectful, but with a powerful voice, helped him turn things