As a high school student, I knew that choosing Caltech would unfortunately mean being one of few Muslims on campus. This is a double edged sword — as a visible Muslim on campus, I can humanize Muslims to those who would otherwise have little or misinformed exposure, but I can also feel lonely at times. This painting shows the hands of someone making dua (supplication), an act of worship that has continually brought me closer to the essence of my religion in times of both ease and hardship.
- Nora Griffith
