MSA-UMD Elections 2008 - Candidates

I’ve been part of the MSA for about 3 years now, and accomplished many important tasks. I was the finance chair two years ago. That is where I learned what it meant to be apart of the MSA! I did all the tasks I needed to do to make it a smooth year. However, I could have done more. I was apart of all the planning of the events of that year, the year before and the after. I also was and still am an active member of the MSA. I attended many of the events, and also helped prepare for them.
 

List Work/Volunteer Experience (include positions, responsibilities, and accomplishments in other organizations on or off campus)

Before I joined the MSA I was and still am part of the YMN and A2 youth group, these two organizations deal with mostly the youth of Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti/Saline areas. I was responsible in inviting the Muslim youth to come help at the soup kitchens, organize weekly halaqas, and keep everyone active. I was also voted vice president in the Ann Arbor youth group, I aided a lot in the planning of the annual Eid dinners, I also was emcee, vice president, and the year before that, I was treasurer, making sure how much money could be spent on what, and where to get extra money from.
 

What are your organizational strengths? Weaknesses? 

I love to be organized, I might not show it real well but I like things to be organized and neat. However, whenever I am responsible over something, I make sure I know where everything is at all times. For example, the position that I am running for, brotherhood, I have to know exactly what rooms the events are in, what needs to be there, etc. If I feel what I’m doing is important and vital, I do my best in keeping everything in tact. However, nobody is perfect, when I start to feel that I already know everything, and don’t feel the importance, that’s when I’ll need a little tap on the head, to get me back together. But in this case it’s not likely to happen, because like I said, this position requires a lot of work and commitment.
 

How do you cope and work under pressure (please answer in full thoughts/sentences providing real-life examples/situations)?

To be honest, I don’t work the same as I do in a normal status, however, through experience, time, and knowledge, I have developed the skill necessary in keeping me from shutting down, and giving up. I learned to even work harder under pressure without “screwing” everything up, and to be quite honest, I tend to work even better with pressure.

How well do you multi task (please answer in full thoughts/sentences providing real-life examples/situations)?

Multi task is not something new to me, as I mentioned earlier, in most of the events that the YMN or the A2youth would plan, I was always in charge of multiple things, such as, not only being responsible for the money also buying and searching for the best food. (Financial and quality wise). Even when I was Finance I had to help every committee giving an extra hand whenever necessary. In addition, the fact I have two jobs, and full time student also helps in this task.

How do you deal with criticism (please answer in full thoughts/sentences providing real-life examples/situations)?

Criticism is something I can cope with. I honestly don’t take offense to criticism, and most of you know me and can speak on my behalf. However, I take criticism into consideration in order to help my fellow peers and myself. And to help better myself in my leadership skills.

What will your schedule look like in the 2006-2007 school year? How many hours can you dedicate to the MSA if you are elected? List any external factors such as parents, school, or work that might inhibit your work.

If I get elected, I will dedicate as many hours as required. However I can honestly say that I can’t dedicate over 40 hrs a week unless there is a major event going on or any other emergencies. My schedule is going to be pretty easy, I’m hoping to take morning classes, latest, 2:00 pm, and I’m planning on taking no more than 15 credits.

What does MSA mean to you? Why are you getting involved with MSA other than the fact that you were nominated?

MSA is I think the best way to be around Muslims, and the easiest to get to know them. I also believe MSA is here to show and tell everyone what Islam and Muslims are all about. Peaceful, friendly, normal everyday people. And to unite all the different cultures. Subhannallah, the other day I was sitting in the SOA and just sat there looking at all the different races stand, walk and play with each other.

What do you feel the MSA executive board positions you are running for entails, and why do you feel you are capable of holding such a position?

I think the brotherhood position is very important, even though it seems to be one of the easiest positions, its not, and I can definitely say that from personal experience. Brotherhood with the help of sisterhood has to plan for many events, such as socials, bake sales, promotional tables, and how to make MSA members have a good time. I do have experience in planning for events from which I got when I was the Finance Chair, but also working for LIFE. Based on my experience, and with the help of ex-brotherhood, I will surpass my highest expectations.

What are the main reasons you want to be elected as an MSA executive board member? Include future plans you have in respect to the position.

My main reasons in wanting to join is not for the power and authority, on the contrary it is to help expand and flourish the MSA of Dearborn, to not only U of M Dearborn students, but to reach out and get the attention of the surrounding locals. To help spread the name of Islam and what its’ all about.

If you lose the elections, what will your course of action be towards the organization (please specify)?

If I lose the elections, goodbye MSA, no. I will not take any offense; I’ll take that as a sign that students feel the other candidate is more qualified, which will not upset me, because if he is better and more qualified, that’s better for everyone especially the MSA. And I could also learn from him/her and try again next year Inshallah.

If you are elected, will your parent(s) be supportive of your work with the organization?

Yes, my parents will fully support me. My family loves the MSA and appreciates what it has done. In addition my father graduated at Michigan State and he in fact was also part of the MSA.

What do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of MSA-UMD?

I feel that the strengths of the MSA-UMD is that one, they are very well known on and off campus, so it easy for them to get people to come. The leaders meaning e-boards, and very active members, work hard on what they do. MSA also keeps up on the weekly halaqas, which benefits everyone, Muslin or non-Muslim. Ramadan was great, and I loved the days I broke my fast on-campus. And last but not least, MSA creates a family type atmosphere, where you feel you have a special bond with everyone, and you notice everyone learns and socializes with each other, and it also breaks the barriers between the different races.

Have you fully read & understood the constitution, have you specifically understood your duties/responsibilities?

Yes I have, and again I feel that I am with the help of Allah {S} I am capable and will dedicate all the free time I have, for this position.

How well do you work with others, give an example of when you lead a team and how you delegated responsibilities and ensure team cohesiveness?

I actually prefer working with others than alone, it just gives you that extra motive, and energy. I am as you may know a very social guy. I get along with everyone just fine.

Which Islamic school of thought do you subscribe to, and what are your viewpoint in regards to other schools of thought?

I follow the majority, and I personally don’t mind whether your Maliki or Hambali. I believe everyone has the right to believe in what they choose.