Credits: Aqeelah L. Photography
Everyone has an inspiration in their life, whether that be a person, a quote, or their faith, that encourages them to have courage and keep going. This week I decided to interview someone that inspires me through her faith. All too often, we tend to fall into a trap of oh my, will this work out or I really cannot handle this. But you just have to remind yourself to have the courage and faith to keep going.
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Where are you originally from?
Fathima is Sri-Lankan, Malaysian. This means that her ancestors are from Indonesia and Malaysia, and they settled down in Sri Lanka. She was originally born in Kuwait, but grew up her for the majority of her life!
Undergraduate in:
Psychology Major and a Minor in Human Development and Counselling
Current Program:
Almost completed her BA of Education (PDP) and Minor in Generalist.
Age: 24
When did you and your family move to Canada? Do you have a memory that really stands out to you?
We actually didn’t move here immediately. We first came here when I was 2 years old, and then settled down when I was 8 years old. I remember that it was hard. I was bullied in school for being the “new” student. That was a tough time. But in Grade 3 I moved to a new school and loved it there!
What inspired you to do BA of Education? How different is this program than your undergraduate degree?
Well, I aspire to be a school counsellor along with a teacher! I have been interested in teaching from the start because I absolutely love children. Yes, this program is different because the practicum is life-changing! I learned a lot about myself. I learned what being resilient was. My faith and determination kept me going. The beginning of program was a time where I faced most challenges. I had to find resilience in keeping with the program – it is a very tough program. A lot of people don’t know this. I honestly think I made it through because of my faith and spiritual connection with God.
Where would you like to go after this program is complete?
Oh, girl, let me tell you. This is actually my motivation to finish – travelling! I would love to go to Morocco and Spain. Ultimately, I really want to go back to Medinah. Perhaps, I would even love to live there for a while and teach!
How do you balance a married life along with your academic career? Do you have any tips or tricks?
First of all, having faith and believing and trusting God’s plans and renewing my relationship with Him is the most important. I realized that when I was the farthest away from Him, that is when I would experience loads of distress internally, and this definitely effects our outer relationships with people. Second, self–care. You can’t contribute to society, marriage, or even your family if you don’t take care of yourself! Be easy on yourself, exercise, pray, and remain consistent in things that you love and help you take care of you. Try to stay connected emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Find time for yourself. I really learned that having a good support system helps – when you can find someone that you can relieve your stress to. This can be your mother, spouse, sibling, and so on. And remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup, otherwise you will be too exhausted.
If you had any advice to any girls who are struggling with the hijab* or are thinking of wearing it, what would it be?
Be consistent. Always step forward and never back. Ask for guidance, to make it easy for you – implement some changes. When I started thinking about wearing hijab, I began making changes in my clothes towards being more modest. For me, I made sure when I started wearing it, I took it in my own pace. I believe that God loves our consistency and sincerity – this is the key to maintaining any acts of worship. Of course, we all have our off days, as do I, but again, remaining consistent is key. Sometimes I remind myself that I am doing this for Him. Excuses are a no-go!
What is your most favorite quote?
“He created both night and day. If it’s dark in your life right now, be patient. The sun always rises. And if it’s light right now, be thankful. But don’t get attached to the sun. It is in its design to also set. Praise Him for both the day and know that He never sets.” -Yasmin Mogahed