Reza Aslan is a name that resonates deeply with anyone interested in religion, culture, and storytelling. His work, especially the book Zealot, offers a fresh perspective on historical figures and religious narratives. Aslan’s approach to writing combines rigorous scholarship with engaging storytelling, making complex topics accessible and thought-provoking. My experience in the Arete Youth Program has given me a unique opportunity to explore these themes further and develop

A poem about longing, silence, and the weight of unspoken words.

There comes a point in life where survival is no longer enough. Where existing quietly in the background no longer satisfies the soul. This year, I decided to choose something different: intention. Not perfection. Not certainty. Not having every answer figured out. Just intention. Creating this space feels symbolic to me. A small corner of the internet that belongs entirely to my thoughts, my voice, my growth, and the many identities I carry at once — student, educator, write