I watched firsthand how the Qur’an transforms hearts. We prayed in the middle of forests, broke fasts in small-town masjids, and spent long nights in deep reflection. It was on these journeys that I truly understood what it means to carry knowledge with humility. Every trip reminded me that an Aalim is not made by certificates but by service, sincerity, and a heart tethered to Allah. Alhamdulillah, I carry this path forward now, with gratitude to Iman Academy for planting those early seeds of purpose and love for our deen.

One of the most memorable moments so far was assisting during a clinical skills lab where we practiced patient communication. Speaking in Turkish, I had to comfort a simulated patient while diagnosing symptoms. That moment reminded me that medicine is not just about treatment, it’s about trust, empathy, and connection. Being far from home has its trials, but I carry with me the strong values I nurtured at Iman Academy, perseverance, integrity, and spiritual grounding. I find strength in daily du’a, in sujood after long days, and in the quiet realization that I am here with a purpose: to heal, to serve, and to represent the kind of doctor I wish to see in the world skilled, sincere, and spiritually aware. As I look forward to the clinical years ahead, I hope to be a reminder that Muslim women in medicine can thrive with both professionalism and faith. InshaAllah, my journey is only just beginning.

Most mornings, I’m up early reviewing stock, dealing with bulk orders, and managing walk-in customers. Our shop assembles bicycles from scratch and supplies parts both wholesale and retail. It’s fast-paced, often unpredictable but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. Last year, I had the incredible opportunity to visit Shanghai, China, for a global bicycle fair. It was my first time attending such a large-scale industry event, and it opened my eyes to new trends, technologies, and market possibilities. I came back inspired—not just by the innovation, but by the responsibility to take our family business to the next level with fresh ideas.

Balancing my studies and the business is a challenge, but it’s also what fuels my ambition. Iman Academy taught me that entrepreneurship isn’t just about profit, it’s about serving your community, staying honest in your dealings, and never forgetting your niyyah (intention). InshaAllah, I plan to expand our venture while continuing to represent the values Iman Academy instilled in me: hard work, humility, and heart.

This wasn't just about learning to fly a drone. It was about precision, safety, and responsibility. I underwent rigorous training in aeronautical theory, risk management, meteorology, and aviation law. The practical sessions, like the one captured in this photo, gave me a whole new appreciation for how technology interacts with the environment, especially when you're out on the field, with a machine and a mission. Whether used for environmental monitoring, agricultural planning, or even emergency response, drones are reshaping how we solve real-world problems. And being part of this frontier has made me realize that technology, when guided by purpose and ethics, becomes a powerful tool for good. I’m deeply grateful to Swinburne University for giving me access to this opportunity, and even more grateful to Iman Academy, where my love for learning and values-based innovation first took root. The sky, truly, is not the limit.

-Ahmed Azim

One moment that really stayed with me was during our weekly halaqah on campus. As students from different countries shared their reflections on Surah Al-Hujurat, I was reminded how universal our faith is and yet how beautifully diverse its expression can be. It felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. Alhamdulillah, I feel honoured to represent my Sri Lankan roots at such a prestigious institution. I carry with me the values and foundation I received at Iman Academy, and I hope to uphold and contribute to the Imanian legacy throughout my journey here, InshaAllah.

It’s not just about the thrill. Off-roading teaches patience, problem-solving, and humility. You can’t always power through; sometimes you need to pause, analyze, and find the best route. Much like life. Building this machine and exploring the Australian bush has reminded me of the values I carried from Iman Academy-resilience, resourcefulness, and never giving up, no matter how stuck you get. This journey isn’t just about where the road leads… it’s about daring to take the road no one else will.

It was at Iman where I first stepped onto a stage, where I was encouraged to find my voice, to express boldly, and to embrace the beauty of storytelling. The grooming I received there whether through school plays, stage performances, or public speaking, gave me the confidence I needed to continue performing even as I stepped into a new academic world.

When I joined the theatre production Lovestruck at Taylor’s, I was cast as Mia, a character very different from myself. It was a challenge, but one I welcomed. The rehearsals were intense, the bonding unforgettable, and the growth, undeniable. I embraced Mia’s bold, passionate personality and found myself stepping deeper into the craft I love.

Mia, Audrey’s loyal best friend in the play, brings emotion, balance, and joy to the story. Playing her reminded me of the early lessons I learned at Iman: to bring heart into every role, and to never underestimate the impact of presence and sincerity on stage. The stage at Taylor’s became my canvas, but the roots of that confidence were firmly planted at Iman Academy. For that, I am always grateful.

Raasheda Azim
Alumni | Iman Academy & Taylor’s University
Fashion Design Student & Performing Arts Enthusiast

The liberal arts curriculum at Minerva provided a strong foundation in critical skills such as programming, empirical analysis, multimodal communication, and the social sciences, which are skills that are applicable across all fields and careers. What I appreciated most, however, was the opportunity to align my academic work with the Islamic principles and teachings I was raised with. With the flexibility in curating our assignments and research papers to our interests, I was able to explore and publish research rooted in Islamic studies, such as the complex Zakat in Indonesia, the ethical considerations on secularism and its impact on the Sharia Law, and more. These projects were especially meaningful to me and made the rigorous curricula at Minerva extremely fulfilling, as they allowed me to contribute to conversations relevant to the ummah while building my academic and professional skills.

Beyond the classroom in San Francisco, I had the opportunity to collaborate with local organizations such as Miracle Messages, working in a team of four to support the homelessness crisis in our neighbourhood by creating a website to connect the unhoused and housed population to provide them with the mental health support they needed. I also contributed to a project with YouthSF, helping to develop active learning STEM curricula for global primary education. Alongside this, I had the opportunity to intern at Minerva's cognitive psychology lab, where I reviewed research from top universities in America, including Harvard, Yale, and Stanford, on the CHS platform. These experiences have been foundational in shaping my goal to pursue a future in Islamic Psychology, In Sha Allah.

With these real-world experiences, this first year of university has been truly transformative for me, alhamdulillah. I’ve gained not only knowledge but also diverse friendships and a deeper appreciation for my roots, and the many stories and perspectives that shape our world. As Minerva’s global rotation system continues, I look forward to pursuing my path in psychology and neuroscience in cities like Tokyo, Buenos Aires, and Berlin to expand my horizons while staying grounded in my values and faith and continue to inspire my Identity along the way, In Sha Allah!