by Marwa Elhassa Many people question the advantages and disadvantages of private schools over public schools. In my own life, having attended both types of schools, I have personally observed the discrepancy between public and private education. That gap which one misses out in public school, especially in the Middle and High school years, makes a huge impact on students, whereas an Islamic private school fills this gap. Students my age automatically assume that it is an awful thing to be in private school. "It's like prison," they say, "and everyone is isolated from the rest of the world." In my opinion, this is a wrong conception. Students my age in public schools tend to adapt to kids their age, especially because of peer pressure. I don't blame them. They want to fit in, but as Muslims fitting in with the crowd means we will have to compromise our unique culture and way of life or at least how our attitudes are presented. Muslim adolescents experience tough times living in American society and possess, like all other adolescents, a desire to becoming like those around them. I have been attending Razi Islamic School in Queens, NY for the past 5 years and previously attended public school. I loved public school because everyone was free, but looking back now, I realize that, at least partially, I wasn't free because I wanted to become like the students surrounding me and by doing that it would initially lead me to violate the Islamic regulations. In addition, my parents did not want to take the chance for me to remain in public school and lose my Islamic identity, therefore they sent me to Razi School. I can relate to everyone at this school, and as a young Muslim girl, I don't have to hesitate before speaking up about Islam. Razi School is a very clean social environment and I urge all Muslim youths reading this to not only appreciate that you are Muslims but, most importantly, do not forget who you are and how you should behave as a Muslim. If you get the opportunity to attend a private Islamic school, I highly recommend that you avail yourself of this opportunity. -------- Marwa Elhassa is in the 11the grade and attends Razi Islamic School in Queens, NY. She can be reached at Roobee17@aol.com |
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