A shared experience can be the basis of friendship and understanding. This belief is part of what motivates some Muslim students here today as they encourage their peers to participate in the Fast-a-thon.
Here is a look at the experiences that emerge today:
Before sunrise
Kelsey Harper got up early this morning, when the sun was still below the horizon. After making her breakfast and eating it before the sun came up, she prepared for school, all the while knowing that she could not eat or drink anything for the next 12 hours. It might be a long, hard day.
However, Harper embraced this opportunity with a cheerful and curious attitude.
“I’m really excited for this opportunity to support my Muslim friends who have to fast regularly,” Harper said. “I think it’s a good experience to have and it helps me learn about other cultures.”
Harper plans to fast the entire day, and break the fast with other students at tonight’s dinner in the RBHS cafeteria. She is just one of many courageous students to take on the Fast-a-thon challenge.
At lunch time
by Afsah Khan and Manal Salim