Having all these siblings [who now live in the United States] set the precedent for me years before, and made the transition almost seamless.

I am sure I am staying here after I graduate, following in my siblings' footsteps. Regardless of what I do though, it's been an awesome experience, both coming here as an international student and what I've done here. It's a double-edged sword, but I wouldn't trade any of it for the world.

I'm definitely kind of a black sheep when it comes to international students. Most students get the requisite Christmas break and summer visits when they go home. Not only do I get those but I also have family members in the United States so I get to see my them more often than others.

The flight definitely takes its toll on you physically. That's one reason why we international students don't go home that often. But at the end of the day, it's still worth it to travel thousands of miles to America for the educational opportunity and the experience.

To be able to live and work in the United States is a privilege.

There are plenty of Muslims who live faithfully in the United States.