My parents  left Egypt because they wanted their children to have more opportunities. They have been very successful in America, but being a Muslim girl here is very hard.   I am 18 years old, and I’ve never had a boy friend. I also don’t smoke, drink, or do drugs.    When I was young, like in 9th grade, kids didn’t understand me. Now they respect me and want to be my friend. I hope to be a dress designer and have my own classy line of fashion wear.

Engie Hassan, Age 18