In the heart of our diverse school, one club is not only bridging the Muslim community together, but also creating a welcoming space for students to explore faith. The Muslim Student Association (MSA) stands as a beacon of community, education and faith. As the president of this spirited club, I’ve witnessed firsthand the impact of our efforts to promote understanding and create a welcoming space for all students, regardless of their backgrounds.
Our primary goal is to provide a club where Muslim and non-Muslim students can come together to celebrate their faith, discuss important issues and share their culture with the broader school community.
One of the signature events is the MSA Bonfire. This gathering brings students together for an evening of connection, reflection and fun. With the campfire, students enjoyed delicious s’mores and shared funny stories. Many students cherished the opportunity to meet new friends and strengthen existing friendships.
“My favorite event was the Bonfire event. We told really funny stories and I met people from other schools, so it was a good experience to meet new people. I had a blast playing games with everyone and I met a lot of people I never knew before,” freshman club member Aroush Waqar exclaimed.
MSA’s initiatives go beyond cultural awareness. We actively participate in community-service projects, such as organizing food drives and volunteering at local shelters. These activities inspire a sense of collective responsibility among our members.
“I really enjoyed interacting with my community and learning more about myself. In my ambition to want to improve other people’s lives, it made me realize how grateful I was to be in my situation. I think a lot more people should volunteer and help out the unfortunate. It really changes your perspective on certain aspects of life,” Vice President Ghasaan Rao stated.
What sets MSA apart is its inclusivity. While it is rooted in the Muslim faith, our club is open to anyone who is interested in learning more and growing with us. We have seen students from diverse religious/cultural backgrounds, and they have enriched our club discussions.
“Being a member of MSA has made me feel included in the school community. I feel included in activities and prayers in a religious environment,” executive board member Sara Karachiwalla acknowledged.
As the president, I have learned that leadership is not about making decisions alone, rather it is about collaborating. MSA’s board has changed throughout the years, which has led to some newfound success.
“The leadership has a big role in change. My freshman year no one was really going, but gradually we had more students showing up. Sophomore and junior year we had some leadership issues, but more people started to show up. This year, the new board members carried their weight and fixed it all up. We have so many new people coming to the club,” Vice President Yousif Aljamry exclaimed.
Whether people are looking to connect with peers, expand their knowledge or simply enjoy a warm, welcoming environment, MSA is here for you. Join us in our journey to build bridges and celebrate diversity.