ZAINAB WRITES

It was my birthday two weeks ago. I wrote a journal entry to reflect on what I’ve l.earned, how my experiences have changed my views, and the changes I’ve seen myself undergo. I thought it would be a good idea to share them

1. Living away from home is a good thing. 

When I moved to New Zealand two years ago I was unsure if my decision to be so far away from home would later haunt me. Living close…

I wonder why more people don’t consider the option of adopting when they think of starting a family. I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of adoption mainly because I have viewed it as an immensely rewarding experience. My instincts are drawn to adopt an orphan and give he/she a life which is deserved by every human- one that is filled with love, care and attention.

For the past year, my social…

I decided to read ‘Headscarves and Hymens’ when I watched the CNN video of Heba Ahmed and Mona Eltahawy debating France’s decision to ban the face veil. I remember watching the video and immediately disagreeing with Eltahawy purely because I felt strongly about the free will of any individual- that one must have the liberty to choose what they wear. Yet, even after watching the video there was…

Like many girls, I admire my mother the most. It’s needless to say that the love one share for their mother is endless but it is also one of the strongest kinds of love. My relationship with my mother has gradually evolved over time. From being a parentto a best friend. We weren’t always close like we are now  but I think certain circumstances in our lives have brought us together. It’s funny how…

I am married, but I still love myself more than I love my husband. I don’t think it is possible for me to love my husband, the way I do if I had not learned to love myself, first. My husband receives the best of me because I possess the best in me. On days when I am grumpy and tensed, it reflects in my behaviour towards him.

Today is Valentine’s Day. I wanted to write this post for a number of…

I have lived in an America where my people were appreciated for their roles as doctors and engineers, where we were automatically considered academically smart and technically innovative. I grew up in an America where my city was identified as one of the most diverse cities, where my neighbours were Indians, the family across the street was Italian, and the people down the block were Hispanic. I…

We possess little control over who loves us. Our personality, traits, characteristics can appeal to people which make us admirable or lovable. I guess in an ideal world everyone would want to love and be loved, equally. But is it easier to love or be loved?

I think many people would say it’s easier to love someone than to be loved. You may love someone who shows a little love back but that…

All The Reasons Why You Should Watch LA-LA Land, Right Now!!!

Ryan Gosling singing….and dancing… and playing the piano…and looking hot…and just Ryan Gosling.

Emma Stone is spectacular. Her acting, singing and dancing grabs your attention. She’s beautifully graceful in all that she does in this movie.

It’s a musical and the entire soundtrack of this movie is PHENOMENAL. It’s so refreshing and the music really just puts you in a good mood. The lyrics are one…

Happy birthday to my most favourite sibling, my baby, the smartest eight-year-old I know!!!

I was in high school when Azim was born- freshman or sophomore year (can’t remember). My siblings and I were thrilled that my mom was having another baby. I clearly remember the day Azim was born, the day he came home and all the big milestones of his life. My brothers and I took care of Azim like he was…

A few weeks ago, a close friend asked me what are the greatest lessons I think women should learn. I thought it would be a good idea to share some of my lessons as the year comes to an end.

You, and only you have full rights and ownership of yourself. Do not ever let a second person dictate to you what you should/shouldn’t do. I’ve learned from my husband that you should give everyone the due…

I will not call it a memory as memories fade and this will just not fade

It is that one nightmare that comes and haunts you on nights you least expect it and then lingers around for days to come and forces you to wish that tonight you do not close your eyes.

Jasmine flowers pierced in my ears, citrus scent buried in my scalp, rose petals dancing off my body- I could not think of a day I dressed…

Today is my parents 26th wedding anniversary and my eldest brother’s 25th birthday. I know- it’s crazy cool! If you ever ask my dad what gift he gave my mom for her first wedding anniversary he wittingly says “Harris, I gave her Harris, what better gift than that?” 

I have always idealized my parent’s relationship, especially growing up. My dad has always been expressive when it came to…

The Light of the Future

I wrote this piece for The Verge which is an annual collection that highlights creative writing of students and is published by Monash University.

The Light of the Future

‘The moment I laid eyes on you, the word noor flashed through my mind. When I first held you, you were so tiny, but I felt as if I were carrying my entire world in my arms. The moment your eyes opened, you lit up the entire…