Senior Spotlight: Afia Mahima

1. Tell me about yourself. When did you come to PVS?

• My name is Afia Mahima, and I joined PVS in the 3rd grade. I've played multiple sports during my time at PVS, including soccer, basketball, and badminton; however, my favourite has to be volleyball, which I've been playing since 8th grade. I enjoy making art, playing with my cat, and volunteering at local events.

2. How has attending a Muslim private school shaped your identity and values?

• Attending PVS has shaped my identity and values by helping me gain a stronger connection to Islam and learning how to balance my deen with the dunya. It’s taught me how to strive academically while also being active in the community. I’ve also learned how to be a proud Muslim instead of hiding or being embarrassed by it, whether that be through praying in public or wearing the hijab. 

3. What are your future goals, and how do you see yourself achieving them?

• My goal is to pursue a healthcare career, especially in pediatrics, where I can treat kids with compassion, sympathy, and tenderness, just as my parents would treat me when I’d get sick. I plan to accomplish my goal by staying determined, making constant dua, and surrounding myself with people who motivate and wish the best for me.

4. If you could pick any Quranic verse, Hadith, or quote that could describe your experience at PVS what would it be and why?

• I would pick the verse “So remember Me; I will remember you” from Surah Al-Baqarah 2:152 because being surrounded by Muslim teachers and students constantly reminds me of Allah throughout everyday, whether it be with the countless Salams given, the dhikr at the end of salah, or just the natural “MashAllahs” and “InshAllahs”. PVS has taught me to make Allah the center of my everyday life and how the remembrance of him will bring me ease and success.

5. What advice do you have for the underclassmen?

• The biggest piece of advice I would give is to use your time wisely. We have the most free time in our youth, so don't use it to procrastinate because the habits we build right now will affect us later on, especially in college. So don't study for that test the night before; study for it right now while you still have the time. Try your best to finish your assignments early to prevent unwanted stress later. Additionally, have faith in Allah. Just because you failed one test, it's not the end of the world. Allah’s plan is always the best, so something that might feel like a failure in the moment might actually be setting you up for something greater than you would have ever imagined. Keep trusting that Allah will guide you to where you need to be.

6. What are the best and worst things about being a senior?

• The best part about being a senior is probably all the fun traditions and events you get to do with your friends, like senior backpacks, picnic, sunrise, and most recently, our senior trip to D.C. The worst part definitely has to be the college application process and all the stress that comes with college essays, scholarships, and keeping up with your classes.