Senior Spotlight: Reem Mohamed

By Teanir Yusuf

1. Tell me about yourself. When did you come to PVS? 
My name is Reem Mohamed. I came to PVS at the start of my 6th grade year. I write poetry, work in media production and photography, and am a big soccer fan.

2. How has attending a Muslim private school shaped your identity and values?
Attending a Muslim school is important because it makes sure that I am not only staying strong on my deen but also being held accountable. The base of a believer needs to be strong before they are met with society. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals has helped me appreciate my deen and the teachings of the Quran. 

3. What are your future goals, and how do you see yourself achieving them?
InShaAllah, I plan to go into medical school as well as study at an Islamic university. I have been doing my research on different Islamic institutions including some in Medinah, and some in Egypt like Al-Azhar, to see what would be the best fit for me. My intent with that is to study Islamic Jurisprudence and the Quran. I have been doing a lot of self-studying to help me expand my knowledge for the next step InShaAllah.

4. If you could pick any Quranic verse, hadith, or quote that could describe your experience at PVS what would it be and why? 
Surah Al-Baqarah Ayah 44, happens to be one of the scariest ayahs as well as one of my favorites. It is translated as such “Do you preach righteousness and fail to practice it yourselves, although you read the Scripture? Do you not understand?” This is an ayah I hold dearly to my heart and make sure I don't fall into what we are warned against. It is easy for you to pretend to be a great Muslim from the outside, with no one questioning. It is easy to pray that sunnah when everyone is watching, or recite the Quran when you are told, but it is the actions you do behind closed doors that matter. Although PVS is not perfect, and unfortunately many of us fall into this trap, it is important to recognize that PVS gives you the space to build those great habits that you will do in public and private life. We must help build each other up and only assume the best of our brothers and sisters in Islam. If we have a concern about another individual, it is in our best interest to consolidate them privately. That is something I truly live by and would wish everyone would attempt to do the same. 

5. What advice do you have for the underclassmen?
I would advise any underclassmen to get closer to Allah and stay firm on their deeds. People will talk, people will have things to say, people will leave, people will come, but Allah will always be there, and just remember Allah sees. Allah sees your effort, Allah knows your pain and he is the only one that can remove it. Everything happens through his will. Anyone who believes they earned something because of their actions is going to be hit hard with the truth later on. You don’t deserve any of the blessings you receive. It is through Allah's mercy that you received it-not because you deserved it. Stay Patient. At the moment, it is hard to leave things in the hands of Allah rather than trying to tackle them yourself. You will be wronged by others, over and over. Allah does not forgive the transgressions an individual does against another person until they restore their right and settle the matter. So if you are transgressed against, handle it like a believer, calmly and make duaa. 

6. What is the worst and best thing about being a senior?
The best part of being a senior is the opportunity to advise the younger students because you understand their view but also you want them to look from another lens. The worst part is that, although we are all excited to graduate, PVS has become more than just classes, it has become a second home for me, and that will be hard to let go of.