Script: Khadijah Rahim

*displayed picture of three-year-old Khadijah*

Voice: It all started in 2006. And who would have imagined what this little girl had in store for her? With her little hijab on she embarked on her years at Islamic school where her religion and culture were all the education she knew. 

*displays picture in elementary public school*

Voice: Within a few years, she ended up in a public school. This was where the struggle with education began. While her classmates were way ahead of her, this little girl struggled to do the bare minimum. With bullying and constant teasing surrounding her, she says no way out. But through her daily struggles, she persevered. 

*displays picture towards the end of middle school*

Voice: However, she soon caught up becoming one of the top students. She graduated middle school as one of the top students earning several awards for her achievements. 

*displays picture in high school*

Voice: High school. This is where everything took flight. Leaving her little home in Queens, she ventured into Manhattan for better studies. As the only Muslim and hijabi in her school, she found it hard to find her place. But she did not give up. This hijabi island girl was determined to prove her worth. She worked hard giving extra attention to her studies. She used her faith as a fuel and light of guidance despite being the odd one out. 

*displays picture in high school giving a presentation*

Voice: It was her faith that allowed her to find herself. Educating teachers, students, and parents became a part of her high school experience. Holding on to her hijab became what gave her the drive to show hijabi girls are more than what they seem. Hijabi girls from a background that holds them back need to be given the opportunity, for when given the opportunity, they soar above the clouds. 

*displays picture in high school*

Voice: With her hijab and heritage by her side, this little girl walked across the stage and even gave the speech at her high school graduation with an audience that looked nothing like her, staring back at her. This hijabi girl rose above all and showed that it was not her wealth and status that gave her the position it did, it was her education and integrity that did. 

*displays picture in college*

Voice: Today that little girl embarks on her college journey pursuing medicine determined to be the first hijabi in her family to enter the world of medicine. Today that little girl carries her religion and her culture with her showing the world what she's made of. Today that little girl proudly shares her story with you.