The shinning star

### Introduction My name is Sarah Elgohary, and I am a passionate writer and dedicated advocate for social justice. On my blog, I focus on pressing social issues, particularly the ongoing crises in Palestine, Syria, and Sudan. I find inspiration in the power of words and the importance of giving a voice to those who are often unheard in society. ### Reason for Reaching Out I recently visited your website and was very interested in joining ICNA Social Justice. I have written several pieces on Islamophobia on my blog, and I was particularly moved by your article about Palestinians and refugees. I strongly believe that no one should suffer from hunger, and I appreciate your focus on such critical issues. Your website, ICNA Concl: Advocacy and Justice for All, resonated with me deeply. I hold the belief that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” This quote by Martin Luther King Jr. perfectly encapsulates my belief in our interconnectedness and the importance of collective...

**Revised Essay Draft: Gender Socialization and Society’s Expectations of Women** **Introduction** Society is composed of many layers, and as we peel them back, we can see how much of our behavior is shaped by social expectations rather than personal choice. Sociologists view society not merely as a collection of individuals but as a system of relationships and interactions that guide how people live, act, and think. One of the most powerful ways society shapes individuals is through gender socialization—the process of teaching boys and girls different roles, behaviors, and values from the moment they are born. These expectations deeply influence women’s experiences in the world. Thinkers like Betty Friedan, author of *The Feminine Mystique* (1963), have challenged these expectations, highlighting how they limit women’s opportunities and personal fulfillment. **1. Appearance and First Impressions** Although we are taught not to “judge a book by its cover,” appearance is often the first...

 We must spread peace, love, and education—not racism. George Floyd was not supposed to die. We cannot continue running from the truths about racism. The only way to break this cycle of hatred is through education, compassion, patience, cooperation, consideration, and love. Different perspectives should be acknowledged and shared, not feared. No one is perfect, and every person is a unique individual. We need to learn from each other and accept our differences, not destroy them. No one is superior to anyone else—Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Black, Brown, Indian, disabled—what truly matters is our shared humanity. We are all equal and made by Allah. Racism, hatred, and violence solve nothing. We must celebrate our differences, not fear them. We need to come together, not remain divided. Differences are what make each of us good people and make the world an interesting and beautiful place to live. People need education, patience, and understanding. Why is society’s first instinct often...

 Essay 1 (Leadership) – 350 words During my internship at Nassau Day Training, I unexpectedly stepped into a leadership role when my supervisor had to leave due to an emergency. I led a mock interview session for 20 unemployed individuals, facilitating with confidence and compassion. I ensured every participant practiced answering common interview questions, providing real-time feedback, highlighting strengths, and refining communication skills to boost confidence. To make the session meaningful, I designed a lesson plan focused on what employers value: punctuality, professionalism, communication, and teamwork. I incorporated role-play scenarios and group discussions to create an interactive and practical experience. By guiding participants through exercises, I helped them translate preparation into self-assurance—a skill they could carry into real-world opportunities. I also worked with high school students on building professional skills, including resumes and cover letters. Many...

  Malcolm X once said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” A good educational experience provides individuals with the freedom to think, learn, grow, and explore the world. Knowledge empowers people to solve problems, overcome challenges, and pursue personal growth. Yet, despite education’s promise, individuals with disabilities continue to face systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing the same opportunities as their peers. A significant issue impacting the disability community is the lack of adequate accommodations and support within schools. Too often, students with disabilities are left behind due to insufficient resources, poorly implemented Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), or educators who are not adequately trained to support diverse learning needs. This creates a cycle of inequity: when students do not receive the tools they need to succeed, they may fall behind academically, struggle with self...

 Gaza’s Hunger Crisis: A Cry for Humanity and Justice Introduction: The Pain of Silence There are moments in history when silence becomes unbearable—when to turn away is to participate in injustice. Gaza today is one of those moments. Right now, families are caught in an unimaginable struggle for survival. The smell of fresh bread has become a memory. Clean water is a luxury. Parents sacrifice their portions so their children may have a few bites. And children—who should be running, laughing, and learning—are weakened by hunger, their futures stolen before their lives have truly begun. This is not an accident of nature. This is not a flood, an earthquake, or a famine caused by drought. This is a man-made crisis—a deliberate deprivation born of blockade, war, and the collapse of systems that sustain life. And it is happening before the eyes of the world. The Hunger Emergency The numbers are staggering. Every single person in Gaza—over two million souls—is experiencing food insecurit...

**Subject: Application for Blogger Position – Writing Samples Included** Dear Sadia, My name is Sarah Elgohary, and I’m excited to apply for the blogging position we discussed two weeks ago. I am a passionate writer and blogger with experience exploring the intersections of technology, society, and culture. I would love the opportunity to contribute my voice and skills to your platform. I am sharing two of my writing samples below for your review: 1. **The Power of Technology: A Double-Edged Sword in a Globalized World**   In this piece, I examine how technology empowers consumers as global citizens while also raising critical questions about ethics, cultural identity, and cosmopolitanism. 2. **Technology as a Tool for Human Choice and Agency**   This essay analyzes the perspectives of Sherry Turkle and Nicholas Carr on the impact of technology. Ultimately, I argue that while technology has both positive and negative effects, humans hold the power to decide how it sh...