During a certain point in my life I became too caught up in what I did know that I failed to recognize there was more in the world that I didn't know. This often led to me suffering in silence or completing something incorrectly. I finally became tired of being in this prideful space that I came to the realization the only way I would be able to grow is if I am aware of how much there is to learn constantly. I also feel it was okay not to know after seeing various people I admired being able to acknowledge they didn't know something. After this change in perspective, I have been more able to ask questions when I don't understand something, even if I'm the only one with a question. I feel I can truly walk away from a learning session more knowledgeable than when I walked in.

I hesitated to write this essay, as I'm not a mentor on paper. However, when it comes to guiding someone through life through my advice and experience my younger sister comes to mind. This intersection between mentor and big sister is a difficult spot sometimes. I do find myself wanting to try and place my sister into a mold, but have to constantly recenter myself and ask her those questions that will help her determine her way. Then, based on her answers I shift my advice and guidance. She and I are very different, I am more on the A-type and she is more on the go-with-the-flow side of life right now. I only hope to show her the paths I've created for myself to hopefully make her life smoother and overcome obstacles. Our parents knew nothing about college, so it was a lot of trial and error for me. Now that I am on the back end of my bachelor's degree I am showing her scholarships, how to plan classes, how to get loans, time management, and so on.

I have always gravitated towards books that teach me about a historical figure, current issue, or hobby. A book titled "Mirror on the Veil: A Collection of Personal Essays on Hijab and Veiling" gave me the opportunity to learn more about people who had some experience with the hijab or veiling.The book was comprised of personal stories from people who who have some experience with the veil or hijab. Some of the authors wear it daily and others explained why they distanced themselves from it. Being able to hear from the various people helped me gain a better understanding of the significance of the veil/hijab. Often times I was exposed to a narrative that painted the viel/hijab as a tool used to oppress, silence, and control people. However, one of the authors explained that once they put on a Burka, the full coverage, they felt truly free. They explained that there was no need to stand in front of the mirror for an hour before going out to make sure they looked a certain way. This idea was a true reflection of how each of us expresses ourselves differently. It also had a story from a person who recounted a time when a child was intrigued by them and the child's parent was embarrassed by their child's curiosity. It made me even more aware that I needed to do better in educating the young minds around me. I appreciated being able to read the short stories from people who experienced a topic, but all saw it differently.

Growing up my dad worked until 8 PM most days and my mom worked low-paying entry-level jobs. I was the first girl in a family with four children, and so I have always been the caregiver if my parents were away. Upon graduating high school I knew my parents would not be able to financially assist with my education so I went to work full time after high school. The goal was to save up and work towards my degree little by little. At 19 I moved out of my childhood home to live with my then-boyfriend. Shortly after he became physically, emotionally, and emotionally abusive. I gave up my desire of obtaining a degree to focus on surviving each day. I was isolated from family and friends and sunk myself into work to escape. I landed a job in Human Resources and it felt so ironic. I advocated for a healthy workplace while going to an unhealthy home. I would like to say that left after showing up to work with marks on my neck after being choked or making up an excuse to my family on why my eyeball was bruised. There were so many times I should have left but after about 3 years I finally left and started over. I moved into an apartment with roommates and built myself back up. I landed a job with more financial security and soon went back to school. Slowly but surely, here I am at 26 wrapping up my undergraduate. I'm still working full-time in Human Resources to keep myself financially secure. My goal in life is to help others. I'm not sure where I will land in the future but I know that in Human Resources I can show up and help others. I understand that people who work full time usually spend most of their time day at work, so if I put the work in I can possibly increase their quality of life. Sometimes it is advocating for new policies and sometimes it is having a busy day but being available for someone to talk about what's on their mind. I think I also have a unique experience being a front-line worker myself but also coming from a family of front-line workers. I can understand how tiring their work is. I make an effort to learn their specific job to show up and serve them best. I treat them the way I want my family to be treated because I see my family in them.