Rafik Yasser

Soliya Final Project

For this reflection, I interviewed my sister and one of my close friends, asking them a simple but powerful question: “What part of your religion do you love the most or are most proud of?” Both of them gave really meaningful responses that highlighted different but connected aspects of what religion means to them.

My sister spoke about the deep sense of unity in Islam. She said that no matter where you are or who you are, if you’re Muslim, there’s an unspoken bond. She mentioned how Muslims naturally come together to help each other, whether in times of joy or hardship. That sense of global family really stood out to her. On the other hand, my friend focused on the diversity within the Muslim community. She shared how inspiring it is that despite the wide range of cultures, backgrounds, and traditions, Muslims still stand together as one. What I found interesting was how both interviews circled back to the same core idea, unity, but from different angles. One focused on emotional closeness, while the other emphasized cultural diversity.

While preparing for the interviews, I realized that asking open-ended, personal questions allows people to really open up. It wasn’t about getting a “correct” answer, but about giving space for reflection. I noticed that just by being curious and respectful, I was able to help create a conversation that felt safe and meaningful. I also felt more connected to my own identity in the process. These weren’t just interviews, they were real moments of connection.

This theme of connection continued during my time in the Soliya Connect Program. Over five weeks, I joined two-hour sessions every Tuesday and had conversations with people from all over the world. It was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had. I got to meet Kaitlyn from Michigan, who has such a warm personality and a strong sense of community. Ian, also from the U.S., stood out for how culturally aware and thoughtful he was, he’s Christian but really knowledgeable about other religions too. Giulia, who’s Italian and lives in China, brought such a unique perspective, especially about living between cultures. And Fatma, from Tunisia, shared so many valuable insights about her experiences as a Muslim and what the religious and political climate is like in her country.

Our conversations covered everything from religion and identity to culture and even artificial intelligence in the modern world. I think what struck me most was how open and respectful everyone was. We didn’t always agree, but we always listened. I found myself thinking more deeply about the way I form opinions, and how important it is to actually hear someone out before reacting. I became more confident in speaking up too, not just about my views, but also in asking better questions and helping guide the conversation in a thoughtful way.

If I’m being honest, at first I was nervous about participating. I didn’t know if I’d have anything “smart enough” to say or if others would judge me. But over time, I realized that being real and curious was more valuable than having a perfect answer. That was one of the biggest lessons I took away, not just about global conversations, but about myself.

Overall, the interviews and the Connect Program both reminded me how powerful it is to just talk and listen. It sounds simple, but it’s actually a skill. I feel like I walked away with a better understanding of other people, and also of myself, and that’s something I’ll carry with me for a long time.