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First Step to Change any Injustice!
I
was very enthused by Nina Mustafa’s story and decided to share
my side of conflict that I went through in high school here in
the West. I hope I can instill a little bit of motivation to any
other youth who might be going through such problems, that they
shouldn't lose heart, in sha’ Allah.
I
am 15 years old and in my second year at high school. I was very
motivated to work hard and al-hamdu lillah it was all going
great. Even the fact that I wear my hijab strictly was never a
problem. I had good teachers from last year and this year was ok
until I met this one awful teacher (am sorry, there is no
better way to describe him). I take advanced classes, all
honors, and most of my classmates are seniors. Most classes were
a challenge though I love challenge. But the first day I
entered my math class I just didn't feel comfortable.
The
very next day I implored my friend to take it with me. She is a
senior and had taken all her requirements so she just took this
one extra class to keep me company. I truly appreciate that
because I recently found out, how much I have come to depend on
her companionship. My math teacher is one guy who can really put
someone down; make you feel that you are worthless or can never
make it. He has his favorites that can be easily seen but no one
can say anything about it, since he is one of the well respected
teachers. We both came to find out that his loathing was more
intense on us.
There
were times we could talk to him and he would walk right past us
and just ignore us. It really hurt me and I would always go home
and complain.
My
mum was a bit worried because this had never happened before and
offered to talk to the school principle. I was so petrified of
getting into trouble with my math teacher so I declined my mum's
offer. My friend once told me that even if we did complain,
there wouldn't be any change since he is one of the best and
most well respected teachers. The situation was so bad that
whenever I had a problem I would always wait until everyone
had left the class and would then approach him for fear he would
embarrass or humiliate me in front of my classmates.
Well
things continued for about 4 months of hard work resulting in
being ignored and all this really took a toll on my grade. Then
one day when I approached him to ask about my assignments after
everyone had left except my friend, 2 boys, and 3 girls that he
answered me in a rude and loud manner. This embarrassment left a
scar that I thought I would get over but I couldn't. I went home
and cried to my mum. She told me to take things into my own
hands; that I shouldn't care whether he was the best or not,
that I should go forward and report, which I did the following
day. I felt like I would never live to respect myself if I let
things go.
So
I spoke to my counselor at school. My counselor was
understanding and decided to talk to the teacher to put a stop
to it. I left the room feeling good but still a little
humiliated whenever I think of that incident.
And
believe it or not, I was able to live even without knowing
whether there would be a change, just as long as I've let out my
voice to be heard. Somewhere I believe there is someone who can
really listen to our problems and may even help you solve them.
Just don't be scared to take the first step to make a change in
any injustice! That's what my mum would say.
Read
Also:
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Saida is 15 years old and lives in Oregon, USA.
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