As-salaamu Alaikum!

North Carolina native here. Alhamdulilah I was born and raised Muslim to parents of American and Caribbean heritage.  I'm divorced and have one child, who is 10.

*PERSONALITY*
I'm an introvert who people sometimes mistake as an extrovert because of my genuine love for helping and getting to know others. But underneath it all, I love quiet time and I'm big on self-reflection. I don't talk much about myself in the beginning because I'm more of a listener and observer. But once you get to know me, you'll find me more talkative; though the best interactions, to me, are ones during which few words are exchanged, but you walk away feeling like you had the best conversation. I’m young at heart and a free spirit, but when it’s time to get down to work, I’m extremely driven and goal-oriented.

*VALUES/BELIEFS*
My guiding principles revolve around kindness, compassion, respect and good manners. I think these qualities aren't practiced nearly enough anymore. I strive to exhibit these traits in my words and actions, no matter who I'm interacting with.  I walk a fine line between idealism and optimism, though I find myself packing away the idealist in me bit by bit these days. Hoping to be proven wrong!
Religion and spirituality are very important to me, and my ideal spouse is someone whose principles revolve around our Islamic teachings. I don't subscribe to extremism or laxity with regards to practice as I feel it's not sustainable. But I strive to be a good Muslim in that I pray five times a day, fast, give zakat, live honorably, have boundaries with the opposite sex and practice modesty. Spirituality is as equally important as following religious tenets, though, so I always go back to my bottom line of kindness, compassion, and respect for all.

*EDUCATION & CAREER*
Professionally, I'm a teacher. I got into education because it plays to my natural tendencies to support and encourage others to be their best.  I'm currently pursuing my master's in curriculum and instruction. A goal of mine has always been to work outside the classroom and develop curriculum. It's where I imagine I can merge my creative skills with my organization skills. Nothing excites me more than the prospect of getting kids to see that learning can be fun and relevant at the same time.

*HOBBIES/INTERESTS*
Outside of work, I love activities that challenge me mentally and physically. I'm definitely what you would call a lifelong learner, and I jump at the opportunity to learn about new things -- concepts, skills, cultures, games, animals -- all of it. I'm not a country girl or a city girl, and I can find comfort almost anywhere that I feel safe.  

Between work, grad school and parenting, I don't have much time for hobbies. But I absolutely love a good book -- adventure, suspense, spirituality, fantasy, sci-fi, poetry. I used to write every day and would love to get back into it. Would enjoy traveling again when COVID is behind us. My dream vacation spot is the Maldives, and I'm determined to get there one day. I also love gadgets and recipes, preferably both at the same time. Win-win!

*TO MY FUTURE PERSON*
I know my strengths lie in being supportive, caring, and nurturing, so my ideal spouse is an absolute complement to that--someone who leads with kindness, integrity and love. I pour 100% of myself into everything I do --vulnerabilities and all-- and would be blessed to find someone who feels the same= )