I am a 23-year-old Muslim female with a degree in Criminology. I am a retired rugby player due to injury and have always been actively involved in my community, volunteering since the age of six. I strongly believe in giving back to the community and helping all beings in need. As such, I personally dedicate myself to being environmentally and picking up behind others that may not be, sheltering animals and volunteering at shelters and feeding the needy as well as supporting organizations centered around aid. I believe in leading by example and am always trying to get family and friends to improve their current habits in hopes to have positive consequences now and in the future.
Additional Information
Personal definition of sustainability
Sustainability in my eyes is characterized by moderation. The practice of living within your means and consuming what is needed, not necessarily all that is desired. It involves practicing moderation with the consequences of one’s actions in mind, therefore thinking of future impacts rather than solely immediate satisfaction or gain. To me that is the bare minimum, but in a time where moderation has been neglected, making personal sacrifices to overcompensate for the negative impacts is necessary until consuming in moderation is feasible again. Sustainability involves shaping one’s actions but should hold people accountable for their actions and the consequences of those actions, now and in to the future.
Sustainability-in-action
First and foremost, as mentioned, I believe in leading by example so I believe I will be able to have personal impacts on my co workers in any career I embark on. Specifically, in terms of the amount of paper printed and wasted, and whether that resource is recycled or not. This summer I made it a point to not print documents unless absolutely necessary and turning towards a more paperless environment and had other co workers follow my lead and tweak their habits. Because my definition of sustainability is linked to my core religious beliefs, sustainability is embedded within my thoughts and actions, therefore having a substantial role in both my personal and professional life. Future going, I do hope to start a business revolved around helping developing areas become self sustaining and no longer dependent and believe my career in consulting will help teach me the skill set to embark on that journey.
As mentioned I have been volunteering since a very young age, and every year (the last 17 years) every weekend during the month of Ramadan I volunteered feeding the hundreds of guests that gather to break fast together. The funds from each dinner are donated to the community and contributes to the local food drive. In addition, I have taken part of many tree planting activities within the community. I also regularly donate to organizations and causes that provide aid and practice sustainability. For the upcoming summer I plan to travel to South America to help build homes and contribute/fundraise to the orphanage fund through Islamic Relief.
Dalal Atta
