I started wearing the hijab full-time in eighth grade. Everything was so beautiful about the new way I dressed. Everyone admired the way my hijab gracefully complimented my outfit. It felt especially wonderful knowing it was the first day of Eid- Al-Adha, where all Muslims are able to get together, carnivals and other fun events were in town and donations are given in great amounts towards the poor. There was no better time to declare my transitioning from a little girl who used to show off her hair everyday,  into a young woman who extended Islam’s virtues of happiness and teamwork.

The extension, happiness and teamwork were represented after the Eid holiday when I shared my joy with the other girls at my Saturday school, by handing out golden Ferrero Rocher chocolates to celebrate my veiling. As we all indulged in chocolates, I felt like a part of an elite force with my best hijabi friends as the importance of the hijab brought us closer.

Wearing the hijab made me aware of how responsible I was. I also felt excited and honored as I  represented my religion with other women also wearing their hijabs.

This moment is one that I am proud of myself for. Honoring Islam with something as simple as a piece of fabric allowed me to feel more modest as a Muslim American. I felt as though I was helping the world bring its unique mosaic of diversity to the spotlight.

However, it turns out people find a way to deface the mosaic, and the different cultures represented within it.  An example of those mistakes are found when others utter rude words like “terrorist.”

I constantly heard that terrible word purse through my ears repeatedly as if a burning rod pushed through my head. It is unbelievable more Muslim women in this generation have to be more cautious of their everyday surroundings more than ever.

It is also terrifying how they are targeted in a hate crime just because they are covering their hair. Hearing things like that made me a little worried if any of the same things would happen to me, knowing that I dress and look the same.

When I started wearing the hijab, the school I was attending at the time was mostly of Muslim minority. In less than a year, I would be attending a public high school closer to where I live.

At the time I was afraid students and teachers were going to remove my hijab and beat me up. Crude words like “terrorist” lurking from the corners of other people’s mouths was another potential threat as well.

Yet, I was raised to not be scared of other people — what use would that be in society? The simplicity within humanity’s various diversities is that we are all people living life.

The hijab was my choice from the beginning, and I couldn’t be any happier to reflect that within my life and personality.

I am still Hadeal Rizeq — I give my heart and love towards others of any religion,ethnicity, origin and am still smiling to the world.

It is really important for everyone in humanity to understand that my personality qualities are still the same, regardless if you see me in my hijab in the classroom or brushing my hair in front of my bedroom mirror.  

Judge me by what’s in my head, not what’s on my head because the hijab levels out my modesty and inner royalty.

When talking about the hijab, topics such that include feministic rights, sexism, and modesty of the woman’s body must be discussed. Continued dialogue on these topics as well as the real truth and secrets of the hijab will be published in upcoming segments at slpecho.com.