Prompt #1 Describe the world you come from - for example, your family, community or school - and tell us how your world has shaped your dreams and aspirations.
"Helping those in need, is the greatest blessing god has bestowed upon us"
Growing up a Muslim American and being one of the first generations of my family in America, I knew my life would become significantly different than that of my relatives. We are from Baghdad, Iraq and are proud people of our heritage, but I knew I always wanted more. I am the son of a television producer and a mechanical engineer. My mother whom has always been my inspiration in all my most meaningful achivements, has always pushed me to gain a sense of self accomplishment in anything I set forth for myself. It was only until recently that I discovered that my mother not only accomplished everything for us as a single mother, but also did this while secretly fighting a deadly eating disorder: bulimia. Her achievements have paved a path of ambition, spunk and determination for me as an individual.
I believe myself to be a passionate devout humanitarian activist. Aside from my bi-monthly interfaith retreats with major religious leaders, and peers, of various faiths, one leader stuck out the most in my mind. Rabbi Lynn Gottleib was one of the first female rabbi's in recorded history. She has always seen the spark in me that others did not. The day we had our first passionate conversation about the world around us and the growing problems humanity faces was the day that really paved my path as a future activist in the developmental futures of people in need. As Rabbi Lynn and I began our conversation she stated a point that would always stick in my mind forever; "Helping those in need, is the greatest blessing god has bestowed upon us. Haider I see great things in you. I know that you can change the lives of the people who need it most". Thinking to myself the raw power and passion in that statement, I knew it lifted the blackness shrouding my mind and revealed the dream god had placed inside me. With a new found passion I began to work diligently to find out who I was destined to become. Joining many congregation's of many different faith's and studying the ideology of helping those who for what ever reason cannot help themselves has shown me that every religion has one thing in common; The desire and need to lift the spirits of those who need it most.
Because of my enhancing experiences with Rabbi Lynn and the support of so many others, my dream was shaped. The ability to save one person whether it be a child who needs shoes or a parent who needs a home for his struggling family, is a reward in and of itself. It has now become a goal of mine to show the world what can happen if we collaborate together and save a child.Tearing down the walls of ignorance and freeing the captivation of imagination and caring attitudes can make this world a better place for everyone. My mother has been a sole reason of my success in my community. Her gentle nudge was all I needed to begin my pursuit of enlightening people about my passion. Constant visits to the mosque and local congregations helped me really focus myself into voicing my opinions. With her undying support I mastered my public speaking skills and my confidence to stand up for who I am and what I am trying to achieve. My world is one filled with dedication and devotion. My passion is to rid the world of injustice and help those that are struggling, and I want to forever carry on this legacy and keep this dream alive.
As Rabbi Lynn and I began our conversation she stated a point that would always stick in my mind forever; (I think this is supposed to be a colon?) "Helping those in need, is the greatest blessing god has bestowed upon us. Haider I see great things in you. I know that you can change the lives of the people who need it most".
Good essay overall :)
