Day 25 – College Students
As a college student, Mary is struggling with identity, wanting to fit in to this new world at university with more freedom but still knowing the importance of her Hui identity.
Day 19 – Teenagers
Mahmed just turned 12 so he’ll soon start attending Friday prayers at the Mosque with his father. He knows being a good Muslim is important but now that he’s getting older he’ll be expected to fast during Ramadan as well.
Day 11 – Students
I didn’t get many breaks growing up. I didn’t get the chance to attend college or study the things I wanted to study. When my parents decided to send me to an intensive programming course so I could learn something that would lead to a good job I jumped at the opportunity.
Day 23 – Questioning the beliefs I have grown up with
I am a young Hui girl attending a university in the south of China. There are not many Muslims where I am studying. It is hard for me to find places to eat that are Halal. Honestly, at this stage in my life, I am questioning the beliefs I have grown up with. I know all about Islam, but it seems to me that it is just a bunch of rules to follow.
Day 16 – If I choose to believe will they love me anymore?
I am from a small village, and my family is very set in their ways. My parents have worked very hard to provide for me and my brother. Life in my hometown is very difficult, and it is very different from here at school. In my hometown, many people are Hui, just like my family. At college there are other religions. I have started hearing about this man named Jesus who died for me. I have even spent some time studying the Holy Bible.
Day 3 – My life is consumed by school
My friends and I walk up these steps to school every day. We have uniforms and red scarves that we are required to wear. School takes up most of our time. We are at school for about 10 hours a day with another 4-5 hours of homework each night. Then on the weekends most of us take private training classes to help us learn more.