My World, My Dunya

chapter 1

Journalism is my favorite class, I've always had a knack for being honest and giving people voice, who don't, although I'm no good at public speaking. I freeze up as soon as more than a few pair of eyes on me, an embarrassing fact, but I've always been scared that people wouldn't find me entertaining or love my work. Surprisingly, I have quite a few friends for someone who fears large crowds. With my friends, things come easy and I finally feel like I can be at peace with myself. My most close friend, that truly gave me new meanings of, "best friend," is Kalila. We lived in the same neighborhood, ever since we were babies. Growing up, our relationship took many different turns, some dark and some happy, but we were always there for each other. Everyone else in our friend group, I gradually started to meet and grew to love. Hala was the next person I met, in kindergarten, a kind and smiley child, who just wanted to be friends. Her light brown eyes and toothy smile, always with a piece of candy. She was hard not to like and soon, decided between Kalila and I, should be the newest addition to our group. Muslims have always ridiculed and hated on because of the negative . Even as young as we were, I still got some racist comments from the other kids. My parents didn't want me to wear the hijab because of how hateful and violent people could be. But I was too in love with the idea, I'd be like my momma and older sisters. Not gonna lie, but during middle school, those types of "dark humor" as many of my lovely peers would say, really pummelted my self esteem. Although, I acted unphased and never dared to share how I felt, even with teachers, who could've stopped the bullying. I knew my words would've never been taken into consideration, I felt like I didn't matter, since I was the minority. I knew things would've been worse for me if I snitched, things could have gotten violent and I didn't want attention on me. Thankfully, I had Kalila and Hala, who lightened me up when I felt down, giving me candy and telling me that one day they'll get what's coming to them. In 6th grade, I met the twins, Yasmin and Yasin. They were vibrant and interesting,