Episode 49. Mona grew up in Texas in the 1980s, the only veiled Muslim girl throughout her school years.  Her faith and immigrant family was seen as strange and unknown, yet she was dedicated to her faith, even starting to veil by seven years old, which is earlier than required.  Despite or perhaps because of this extreme minority experience, Mona has dedicated her life to education, most passionate about teaching youth about Islam, and helping them to develop good characters grounded in Islam.  She takes pride in the long list of courses and books she has created, while acknowledging that future generations will approach life differently than her generation has, due to the increased social diversity, among other things.  Highlights: 00:06:26 Identity struggles as a young Muslim in Texas. 00:11:29 Courses for adolescents in Southeast Houston, including religious and secular subjects, taught for 20 years. 00:23:16 Youth work challenges and solutions during COVID. 00:30:02 Multicultural center helps refugee kids access programming. 00:34:46 Religion not welcome in public schools, diversity encouraged. 00:40:32 Young people navigate future with right decisions. 00:42:43 Focus on common ground, appreciate differences. Social Media links for Mona: LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmonaislam/ Website – Dr.MonaIslam.com Facebook, personal – https://www.facebook.com/mona.islam.9619/ Facebook, professional – https://www.facebook.com/dr.monaislam22/ MCC Texas – https://www.facebook.com/MCCTexas Multicultural Center – https://www.multiculturalcenter.net/ Rabata – https://www.rabata.org/board-of-directors/ The Islamic Seminary of America – https://islamicseminary.us/ Social Media links for Méli: Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisolomon/ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066435622271 Transcript:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/1851013/episodes/13586018-teaching-youth-about-islam-dr-mona-islam Follow the podcast! The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise:  Is your way similar or different?  Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore?  Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.  Comments?  Email  Méli – [email protected] The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project. For information on talks, blog posts and more, go to – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/