By a 15 year old Muslim teenager from Dallas, TX

It is hard,
So hard.
The stress,
The expectation,
The obligation:

“Uphold the family image”
“Uphold Islam”
“Make something of yourself”
“Be successful”
“Get better Grades”
“Prove to your teachers you can”
“Be an example to your siblings
    and to other Muslim women”
“You have more opportunities then I ever had”
“Why aren’t you studying”
“Study harder”
“Do your homework”
“Listen to your teachers”
“What are they teaching you”
“You just have to work harder”
“You don’t take school serious enough”
“You can be anything you want….
    anything at all……”

But, what do I want to be
What do I want to study
Can I please them all?

Can not be a failure
Can not fail
Can not fall.

Oh Allah, as the Prophet prayed for his cousin
Abdullah, please

“O Lord, make (Me) acquire a deep understanding of
the religion of
Islam and instruct
(Me) in the meaning and interpretation of things.”

Grant me Patience,
Grant me strength,
Grant me knowledge

Let me be guided to the straight path
Choose a good career
Please my parents
Propogate Islam

Please Allah do not let me fail
Do not let me fall.