Fatima in Focus FEATURE BY DR. FATIMA IBRAHIM
I was born on the west coast in California. I lived there for
Villa Park is the small suburb we lived in for a few years. I
about one year and don’t remember much about California
started attending a private Muslim school for grades first
aside from the stories my parents shared about living
through twelve. I remember that first day attending my new
there. When my family moved out of Orange County, we
school. I walked into class wearing a traditional kaftan that
came to Phoenix, Arizona and lived there for several years.
I chose for the first day. I remember feeling out of place
I remember the heat of Phoenix, warm walks around our
among my new classmates in their school uniforms and
subdivision, Avon parties, and how metal seatbelts warmed
instantly regretting my decision. Yet, by the end of my first
up by the sun would all but burn my fingers. When we left
day there, I had made a friend with a girl who sat across from
Arizona, I was about 7 or so. I was halfway through first
me and my desk.
grade and dreaded starting a new school in the middle of
T H E E AR LY Y E AR S
“I still recall the contentment I felt to be accepted by a new friend.”
We moved to the Midwest and settled down in Illinois.
I spent twelve years of primary school there and overall loved
Instead of living in the city, my parents chose the western
my experience. Attending a private Muslim school placed my
suburbs where it was more peaceful, yet still lively. The
religion on a pedestal. It made my faith the foundation of my
suburbs had a nice selection of private schools that my
childhood and with classes like Islamic Studies and Quran
parents were interested in for my brothers and I to attend.
class, it also taught me more about my faith on a regular
the academic year.
basis.
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