CREDIT: ISMA MALIK
Isma Malik and her daughter Arya.

Fanshawe College is an awesome place to learn, grow and become educated in preparation for our future careers. It is a diverse community of people coming from various backgrounds, with different experiences and different world views. In an attempt to discuss this diversity, each week I will interview a different person coming from different faith and worldview backgrounds with a unique perspective on the world we all share.

About Isma
This week I had the opportunity to talk with Isma Malik, a 23-yearold student and first-time mom. She has been a Fanshawe student for a year and half. In her first year she completed her General Arts and Science certificate, and has since enrolled in the Business Marketing program. She finished one semester before taking a year off to spend time raising her beautiful daughter Arya. She is planning on returning to Fanshawe next September to finish her degree.

Isma enjoys such things as couponing, reading, biking, watching television, and spending quality time with her husband and daughter. Another interesting aspect of Isma's life is her faith; she is a proud Muslim. This article will be focusing on and dialoguing with her on that aspect of her life.

The Importance of Islam in Isma's Life
When asked a series of questions regarding her faith, Isma articulated just how important the role of Islam plays in her life. “It's [about] how I prioritize my morals and values. I live my life with as much compassion and love towards others as I can. My faith teaches me that the good I do, will surely be rewarded one day.” I believe that this type of thinking is seen throughout many worldviews, and not just Islam.

As our discussion continued, I was curious to know if there are aspects of Isma's faith that have caused her difficulties or hurdles, and wondered if perhaps she has had any struggles because of her beliefs. I was especially interested to know how she balances her family and school commitments with the daily living out of her faith. Isma's overall attitude is a positive one; she has a strong work ethic, and is positive she will always be able to balance her commitment to faith with the other aspects of her life.

She explained to me that her husband follows the Christian faith, and with their new baby, I wondered if they had come across any disagreements in how to raise her. She explained her approach to these challenges in a positive way. “I remember once feeling as though it would be very difficult for us. However, I find many of our beliefs are very similar and [Islam] helps me to respect and value our marriage in spite of the things we may differ on.” As for raising a family, Isma is confident that her faith will only serve to help her to raise a daughter with morals and values. “My own lifestyle, as well as my faith will teach [my daughter] to respect herself and those around her.”

Finally, in regard to the role of student, she exclaimed, “If anything, I find that being Muslim actually helps me be open to others and their lifestyles, which helps me make long-lasting relationships with other students and professors” — an important part of succeeding as a student.