Hijab is a fundamental part of my religion. Every Muslim woman, hijabi or not, has their own way of seeing what hijab is. For me, hijab isn’t just about a piece of cloth I wear on my head. I have worn my hijab since the age of seven. Over the years, I have come to understand what hijab means to me.
I experience a sense of empowerment and self-worth when I wear the hijab. In times like these where the media is always portraying a negative image of Islam. I often fear of being attacked for wearing my hijab. However, the hijab has become moulded into a part of me and I will embrace it.
Hijab is freedom and identity. The freedom to practise my religion in this country. To look and to dress how I want. I chose to cover but I am not oppressed.
Hijab is my modesty. Modesty in the way I dress and the way I behave. This is because it brings humility and to some extent, as Maria Martinez said, “As a western woman, for me, the hijab is a war I’ve won.”
Hijab is vulnerability, to open up about your religion. My hijab is what people see first, therefore they know I am Muslim.
Hijab is dedication. It gets hard to wear the hijab, especially in a westernised world where sometimes hijab is seen as threat. I am questioned about Islam and why I wear the hijab and it is nice to see people wanting to learn about your religion. I have a duty to break the stereotypes.
My journey through wearing the hijab has been a roller coaster but it has made me grow into the woman I am today. I am happy, I am independent, and I am proud. Hijab is my crown.
Angelina Jolie once said, “The sun doesn’t lose its beauty when covered by the clouds. The same way your beauty doesn’t fade away when being covered by the hijab.”
Tyler Law 
Tahlia Marie Melado 
Megan Kelly