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List Organizational Experience within the MSA-UMD (Include positions,
responsibilities, and accomplishments, please be specific, outlining in detail
what you individually did/accomplished):
I have been
involved with MSA ever since I stepped foot on campus. The first year, during
the 2005 Unity in Diversity dinner, I took charge of the entertainment. During
that same dinner, I had to manage two food stations (as opposed to the usual
one) and ensured that all the volunteers were doing their job.
Last year, I headed
along with Suhaib Hanooti the Ramadhaan Task Force. Alhamdulillaah that was a
success. I was also very involved in many of the events during the year, whether
through brainstorming ideas, almost all aspects of logistics, and much more.
This year, I was
chosen as the IT chair. I brought past IT experience to the website and have
added the Video of the Week segment on the website as well as launched the new
MSA Calendar.
Aside from the many
responsibilities of IT, I contributed much to the MSA in other ways. I took
charge of providing free food for 1000 people through donations. I was in charge
of all the food distribution during the dinner. I had to manage and lead 4
sub-heads to ensure all the stations were taken care of. I am also heading the
entertainment for the Annual Generation Next Fundraising Dinner.
List Work/Volunteer Experience (Include positions, responsibilities, and
accomplishments in other organizations on or off campus)
I have been a senator of the UM-D Student Government ever since I was a Freshman
and was elected Speaker of the Senate this past semester.
I also hold a position in the Young Muslims Association as a Leadership Council
member and have been for many years now. Through the YMA, I have been able to
head events that hosted over 1200 people nightly for 5 nights (in one particular
event) and also delegate many tasks to committee members.
I have been involved with AMYNA, where I received leadership training from the
Vice President of Microsoft, Jawad Khaki, along with Leadership Trainer, Peter
West at a leadership retreat. I can offer much of that experience to the MSA.
I have also been teaching at the Sunday School at the Islamic Center of America
for about 8 years where I teach 13-14 year olds Islamic Studies and Qur’aan. I
am now serving as an Assistant Principal at the school.
Aside from my volunteer experience, I work at AscentTV, where I hold a position
as Production Manager. As PM, I have a team under me where we get scripts,
shoots, outlines, etc. done. Part of my responsibilities other than delegating
is setting up for shoots, doing production for shoots, editing, as well as even
hosting my own show (Muslim Youth Talk).
What are your organizational strengths? Weaknesses?
Although this is the most annoying part of the questionnaire, I guess I will
answer. I have many strengths I can bring to the MSA. I have much organizational
experience, leadership qualities, and a good understanding of how MSA works.
Along with that, I have so much energy and passion towards the MSA and I feel I
can make the MSA an environment enjoyable to work in. I am a good listener and
can really communicate well with all members of all backgrounds. Alhamdulillaah,
I am also open-minded to different ethnicities, races, genders, and even sects,
which is important in any candidate.
There are two weaknesses I can think of, although I am sure there are many more:
One is that I am a perfectionist. Many times, I will not be satisfied with an
event, flyer, etc. until it is perfect, which may come off as annoying and even
discouraging to members (although I present my criticism in an understanding and
constructive manner). Second, is that at times I may take on something on my own
to ensure it gets done and because I know what is expected. Alhamdulillaah,
since I have realized my weaknesses and since many people have pointed them out
to me, I have learned from them.
How do you cope and work under pressure? (Please answer
in full
thoughts/sentences providing real-life examples/situations)
I find no problem working under pressure. The way I cope with pressure is if a
task is too difficult or time-consuming, that I delegate it to a capable party.
I learned from the VP of Microsoft, the “4 D’s” (Do it, Defer it, Delegate it,
and Delete it) Those are four ways of handling projects or commitments without
allowing it to add unnecessary pressure and/or stress.
How well do you multi task? (Please answer in full
thoughts/sentences providing real-life examples/situations)
As Production Manager at work, as well as being involved in many demanding
organizations, I have learned to multitask well, Alhamdulillaah.
How do you deal with criticism? (Please answer in full
thoughts/sentences providing real-life examples/situations)
I love and expect constructive criticism. The only way I grow and build my
character is through constructive criticisms. In fact, I always ask for honest
criticism and have heard many things that would normally offend people, but
Alhamdulillaah was never offended and learned from my peers.
What will your schedule look like in the 2008-2009 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.
I am normally very involved in the community. The reality is that since the
position I am running for is demanding and requires 100% dedication, I am
willing to give up almost everything I am involved in. Being president means
that the whole responsibility of the organization is in my hands. I will
dedicate as many hours as needed and MORE for the MSA if elected president.
What does MSA mean to you? Why are you getting involved
with MSA, other than the fact that you were nominated?
MSA is the organization on campus that is the go-to
organization when it comes to Islam and Muslims. We provide a venue for
education as well as socially enhancing programming that caters to Muslims and
people of other faiths. I am getting involved with MSA because I believe in its
mission and believe that we can be the outstanding student organization on
campus by enhancing student life and awareness on campus. I want people to know
who the MSA members are, know and make time to attend EVERY MSA event and be the
place to go on campus, Inshaa Allaah.
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?
Being MSA president entails the well-being of MSA in
its entirety. That means that the president will have to delegate and also make
sure that all the committees are working and functioning properly and
efficiently as well as be the source of energy for the board. President or any
other high position is not a managerial position. There is a difference between
managing and leading. The president will lead the organization by inspiring and
bringing out the best in every talent present within MSA, board and non-board
members alike. Hopefully, the MSA hype will be revived on campus Inshaa Allaah
next year.
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.
I have many plans and dreams for MSA next year. I want us to provide quality
programming for all of campus. Ideas for events should include hot-button issues
we face nowadays and will attract a large audience which was lacking the past
two years. Such events include but are not limited to: Islam vs Terrorism (or
Islamofascism?), Women in Islam, oppressed or liberated?, Suicide Bombing, an
Islamic phenomenon?, Muslim Professionals week?, What does Islam think about
Judaism (or What do Muslims think of Jews?), etc. There are many ideas that will
attract and keep many people on campus interested in MSA, and not speak to the
choir. Many of these ideas can be discussed with the next board and will be
decided on by the board and MSA members, not just the president.
If you lose the elections, what will your course of
action be towards the organization (please specify)?
I will sue the organization for embarrassing me, lol. Of course, I will support
the other candidate and will serve the organization and its mission as long as I
am on campus.
If you are elected, will your parent(s) be supportive of your work with the
organization?
Yes. I am blessed to have parents who support me in my endeavors.
What do you feel are the strengths and weaknesses of MSA-UMD?
MSA-UMD has a reputation of being one of the top MSA’s in the nation. We have an
organized structure and offer many unmatched programs throughout the year such
as an annual free iftar for 1000 people, weekly lectures/khutbas, monthly
community service opportunities, etc. Alhamdulillaah MSA-UMD does a lot.
However, MSA-UMD has a lot of room for improvement. This year MSA has been
unintentionally exclusive in its events. We are not catering to the larger
campus community. Our weekly meetings are not enjoyable to non-board members. We
need to allow for more discussion and involvement from our general body. Our
passion within MSA seems to be scattered and are not harnessed to show the
campus the benefits of attending our events. Also, board members need to work
together not just on an organizational basis, but also as team members. We need
to give off this vibe that we all care for one another rather than robots with
tasks. Hopefully, we can learn from our shortcomings and improve as the years go
by.
Have you fully read & understood the constitution, have you specifically
understood your duties/responsibilities?
Yes.
How well do you work with others? Give an example of when you led a team and
how you delegated responsibilities and ensure team
cohesiveness.
I not only work well with others, I ENJOY working with others and especially new
faces. I have led many teams under the banner of many organizations, whether
teachers at Sunday School, committee members in community organizations, as well
as at work. Each team has been able to work cohesively and has been able to
complement each other’s work.
Which Islamic school of thought do you subscribe to,
and what is
your viewpoint in regards to other schools of thought?
First and foremost, I am a Muslim. The followers of the religion of Islam are
called Muslims, not Sunnis or Shias. Anything after that is an individual’s
search for truth. Many people within their own schools of thought disagree on
certain issues, so why must we divide on a greater level? In order for the
Muslim voice to be strong in the world and especially the west, we must come
together and learn from our differences and also stay tolerant with one
another’s beliefs/schools of thought.
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