Embracing Diversity and Friendship

Rimsha Rahman (right) travelled to the United States during Ramadan as an exchange student in 2018 under the YES program. (Photograph courtesy Rimsha Rahman)

I was 16 years old when I traveled to the United States in 2018 as an exchange student, participating in the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange & Study (YES) program. My host family in Ohio welcomed me and did everything possible to make me feel comfortable. My first week with the Catholic American family was very warm.

Being part of a large family of a different faith was never a problem when it came to my daily prayers. They cleared a corner in my room for me to offer my prayers and also took me to a nearby mosque. I had never met a Muslim from another country, let alone spend my entire Ramadan with them. During Ramadan, my host dad would cook for me during sehri and he would also join me at the mosque for iftar.

The imam and his wife, who took care of the mosque, were from Indonesia. I often read the Koran with the imam’s wife on weekends. At first, it was a bit challenging for her to understand my accent, but over time, she was able to comprehend me better. I fondly remember celebrating Id with the community and the friends I made there.

During my exchange year, my host family members learned about Islam and I, in turn, learned about their faith. Experiencing life in another country has broadened my perspective and it has helped me see the world through a global lens. I have built connections with people from diverse backgrounds, resulting in lifelong friendships and valuable networks. The exchange year has helped me with personal growth and has deepened my appreciation for diversity. Experiencing a different culture firsthand has underscored the importance of cultural exchange and enhanced my understanding of diversity. Additionally, I’ve learned to overcome the challenges of living in a new environment, from homesickness to language barriers. The ability to bounce back from setbacks is a crucial aspect of my personal growth journey.

Being in a new environment often leads to self-discovery. I have had the opportunity to explore my values, beliefs and priorities, gaining a deeper understanding of my religion. Living abroad and managing academic responsibilities, social activities and personal time during my exchange year has also made me good at time management.

Currently, I am pursuing a dual degree—a bachelor’s degree in commerce as well as an ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) qualification—at St. Joseph’s Degree & PG College in Hyderabad.

For this Ramadan, my goal was to recite and understand the meaning of the Koran and increase prayer and reflection. I hope to increase acts of charity and kindness and pay attention to those in need both within the community and beyond.

I had met many people from different cultures at the mosque in Ohio, and I’m still in touch with them. This Ramadan, I hope to reconnect with them and share our knowledge of Islam.

Rimsha Rahman is an alumna of the YES Program.

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