Zahra

I’ve been thinking about this journal question a lot these past few days. Cinderella had to overcome many obstacles her life (not fitting with her family, the loss of her father, two bullying step sisters), but one of the things I most admire about her is that she always kept a positive attitude, even when the people closest to her treated her unkindly. She constantly tried to bring joy to others’ lives, despite the fact that her own life had its challenges. I’m sure she felt afraid many times, but she somehow kept a good outlook.

You’ve probably already noticed this, but there are only twelve girls at our elementary school who wear the hijab. I’m proud to be a Muslim, but there are times when people around town look at me a certain way when they see my headscarf. Most of the time, it’s not an unfriendly look (I can tell a lot of people are just curious). So I always respond with a smile, and people will often smile back. But sometimes, the way people stare or react to my hijab makes me feel uncomfortable. (Milla talked about feeling this way, too, because of her scar. I totally get it.)

Once, a car full of teenage boys stopped near our house. The boys rolled down their windows and shouted a lot of really rude words at my brother and me while we were playing outside. I felt very afraid. I try not to be afraid, but when stuff like that happens, it’s hard to shake off the fear. I wish I could help these boys understand that wearing my scarf is a way to honor my faith, and it’s an important part of who I am. No matter how people treat me, I try to respond with kindness, compassion, and understanding, because that’s also an important part of who I am.

Another thing I love about Cinderella is that she always went out of her way to be extra kind to animals and to help others (no matter how big, small, or important they were). I always try to act that way, too. Service and giving are both very important my family. (Did you know that one of the key pillars of the Islamic faith is charity?) I volunteer at my dad’s childcare center every Wednesday after school, as an act of service. And every year, my brother, parents, and I each choose a charity we are going to donate our money to. I save a portion of my allowance each week, and my parents match the amount I have saved up at the end of the year.

I loved volunteering at Helping Hands with Piper and the rest of the Daring Dreamers Club this week. It was fun to be a part of another family’s service traditions. Maybe I should take everyone to my dad’s childcare center sometime!