Where+I+Stand

**I am** a girl. I am not a lady or a woman. I am just a girl. I am spontaneous in every moment of my life. I am a dancer who expresses through her eyes, her hips, and her feet. I am confident, and those who are not shock me. I am a Muslim. I am a Shia Muslim, and it does not bother me to let everyone know that I am Muslim. I am satisfied with the little things in life: long walks, cuddling, talking, and hugging. I am a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a cousin, and an aunt. I am a daddy’s girl. I am a shopaholic, and shoes are my obsession. I am a sucker for love stories; and that is why Nicholas Sparks is my favorite. I am passionate about what I believe, and I am always right. I am a giver. I am proud to be Indian. I am full of surprises because I am afraid to open up to people.

**I like** being a leader because I do not like listening to others telling me what to do. I like being around kids and listening to them talk because they are the most nonjudgmental people who enjoy life to the fullest. I like talking. I like organizing because it stresses me out when things are not in their designated spots. I like acting like a little kid. I like it when my parents pamper me. I like singing in the shower. I like meeting new people. I like learning random facts. I like dancing in the rain. I like writing; I like writing poetry and songs because that is another way I express. I like stepping on stage and performing in front of huge crowds. I like audiences. I like crying in my closet where I can hide from the world and just let my emotions out. I like spending my time with my family, and I like loving.

**I believe that** you should love yourself because if you don’t love yourself then you cannot expect others to love you. I believe that you should live, laugh, and love in the moment. I believe that everything happens for a reason. I believe that questing is important, but doubting is not necessary. I believe that sometimes to gain something you have to let go of something. I believe in living a health lifestyle. I believe that everyone should be accepting. I believe that a picture speaks a thousand words. I believe that everyone is beautiful and that beauty is defined by personality and not by looks. It is important to say sorry and thank you when necessary. I believe that love is crucial. I believe that I am a strong, independent girl and so is every other girl out there. Second chances are important because everyone makes mistakes, and that is okay. I believe that it is important to look yourself up and down first before you begin to judge someone else.

**I am tired of hearing** that Muslims are terrorist. An entire religion should not be judged by one person’s wrong doings. I am tired of hearing that there is not enough time; do not procrastinate and use every second wisely. I am tired of hearing teenagers not valuing what they have. Learn to appreciate. I am tired of hearing people say that I am just a kid. I know I can make a difference. I am tired of hearing people saying they do not like something without even trying it. Take chances and try new things. “I cannot do this”; I am tired of hearing that. I am tired of hearing supermodels telling young ladies around the world what it means to be beautiful because girl, let me tell you, “sweat pants, hair tied, chilling with no make up on, that’s when you’re the prettiest, and I hope that you don’t take me wrong”!

**I do not care for** people who look at the glass half empty and not half full. I do not care for guys who think they are better than girls because I feel that a girl can do anything. I do not care for mixing religion and politics. I care about you; I care about your thoughts and opinions. I do not care for terrorism. I do not care for cockiness, but I do care for confidence. I do not care for anyone who does not care for anything.

**I am in favor of** trying new things and meeting new people and visiting new places. I am in favor of skydiving, bungee jumping, and cage diving. I am in favor of taking baby steps to change the world. I am in favor of following your dreams. I am in favor of being selfless for the people you love and care about. I am in favor of searching for answers to find out who you are. It is okay to be unsure sometimes. I am in favor of taking risks, and I am in favor for taking it slow. And I will always be in favor of being a little crazy, a little stupid, and a little careless.

I am a confident girl sitting here writing about myself, but in reality I am still trying to figure out who I am by taking chances on the complicated paths of life. Living life day by day, learning something new minute by minute, changing into a stronger girl second by second, but today, this is where I stand.