Razan Alaqeel's

Sending small messages to more than five continents and ten countries could be extremely hard.  But finding the people who would respond to my messages with open hearts and a loud "YAS!" to something that I had to say was a piece of cake.  Having those strong connections made my last few nights light with happiness, because I was reminded through my friends' words, reactions, and pictures that the future really does belong to those of us who care about making it a better place to live for all.  We all shared one similar past during our time as exchange students in the United States in the school year of 2014-2015.  We said "Yes" to a new life that was full of new adventures and wild experiences.  We agreed to cross the Atlantic and the Pacific, because we strongly believed in our power, future, and in our own selves.  Age was not an obstacle, for we drew an amazing picture of America.  Yet the most important parts of this whole year were and forever will

First day of Eid Al-Fitr was like no other.  It all started with the same things that I've grown up to know. The excitement on the night prior to Eid.  The new clothes that are all ironed and ready to be worn for the first time. The sweets that are moved from the kitchen into the living room for the guests and family members who shall arrive early in the morning. The big basket of fruits that are recently bought from the store. The phone calls buzzing from every mobile to greet family about the arrival of Eid. My hair which was straightened to give myself a new look for the big day. My new perfume. My new shoes. My new earrings. And my new soul which may have changed during a year abroad seeking for world understanding through exchanging cultures.  Eid is much more than that. To me, Eid is a spirit that is felt from one heart to another.  It is a love that sparkles in the eyes. Eid will always carry memories of each previous year. We celebrate this day to appreciate Allah'