Holding on to One's Self

Growing up as a Muslim, Iranian girl in today's society has given me strength, willpower, and a strong sense of self. Yet, it has not always been this way. I have gone through many circumstances in the last few years that have made me want to turn away from my heritage. Mainly, being a young vibrant teenager whose biggest fear is not being treated with the same respect as my peers.  It was ambition to continue to venture through the world that made me contemplate whether leaving my old self behind might be a better choice.

I have learned to be proud and accept my heritage, even in the face of judgments. Society judges one another by race, ethnicity, and appearance. Being a Muslim, Iranian girl brought many abhorrent judgments from my peers. They would judge not only my appearance, but also my personality. Saying comments to not only hurt who I am but what I am as well.However, I move on, knowing that with every step I take with confidence I grow closer to showing people that I'm not inferior to them.

Not only am I Muslim, I'm also an American. I was brought up to believe the best in people and to never judge one's actions. The killing of thousands of innocent American victims, on September 11th made me realize what people are capable of bestowing on one another. I felt ashamed to say who I was.

However, I knew that not all people could withhold so much hatred for a country I love. This country consists of several types of people who risk their lives everyday to come and live their dreams. Many of these immigrants will never make it to this country; this gives me inspiration everyday to live on with the American dream. Living for those who can not.

Yet, because of the actions of a few radical people, discrimination of American Muslims has become wide spread, making me feel isolated from my peers. These events brought more hardships to my already complicated life.

Somehow, I feel god brought a sign to my life. I was asked, by a teacher, what I would be if I no longer was a Muslim, Iranian girl. Realizing that all I have known about myself, what makes me an individual, and who I would be was taken away. Subsequently knowing that my aspiration in life must be not only to be the best I can, but also to teach others not to judge.

Everyday I am reminded what it's like to be a minority in America. That it is who I choose to be that separates me from others. I continue to work hard to prove to myself and others that my strength cannot be withheld. Overcoming all of society's judgments is only a milestone in my journey through life. God and close family ties has given me strength, willpower, and a strong sense of self to continue the fight of being a Muslim, Iranian American young woman in today's world.

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