As a timid freshman looking for ways to get involved at Naperville Central, I attended Rotary Club meetings that had led me to sign up to volunteer at multiple events in the area. Attending the club meant volunteering at events solely to give back to the community, in line with their motto, “service above self.” ...

Two years into high school, I stopped wearing my hijab. After two years of tying my scarf as part of my morning routine, I let my hair down. I know now that taking that risk was worth it. No, I wasn’t forced to wear a hijab by my parents, nor was I forced to remove it by anyone. It was a decision influenced by no one but mys...