Sarah Soleman

When Anil first heard about MYNA, he wasn’t exactly eager to join. “I was one of those kids begging my parents not to send me,” he admits with a laugh. But with 20 to 30 cousins, many of whom had been involved with MYNA, curiosity got the best of him. “In 2020, they were all talking about their last MYNA and how they wanted it to be memorable. I asked, ‘What is MYNA? What does it even stand for?’” A year later, in Winter 2021, Anil found himself at his first MYNA camp, experiencing firsthand what his cousins had talked about.

Walking into camp at just 13 years old, Anil felt nervous and out of place. His older cousins had aged out, and he didn’t know anyone there. “I mistook my counselor for someone else,” he recalls. “I was overwhelmed and intimidated at first, but eventually, I started to enjoy it.” That initial hesitation soon faded as he immersed himself in the energy and camaraderie of the camp.

Finding His Role in Outreach

After attending multiple camps, Anil started noticing the outreach committee. “They were always leading chants, keeping the energy high, and making sure everyone was engaged. I thought, ‘I want to do what they do.’” Encouraged by friends, he joined a subcommittee and slowly found himself drawn deeper into MYNA’s outreach efforts. Today, as an Outreach Officer, Anil plays a crucial role in promoting MYNA, establishing partnerships with organizations like MIST (Muslim Interscholastic Tournament), and running PR for camps.

“Outreach isn’t just about promoting events—it’s about making connections,” he explains. “The friendships and networks you build are invaluable.”

A Spiritual Moment to Remember

Among all his experiences at MYNA, one moment stands out. During a summer camp, the group decided to pray Maghrib outdoors. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky glowed in brilliant shades of orange, and fireflies began to flicker in the evening air. “There was this huge tree swaying in the wind, and everything just felt surreal,” Anil recalls. “That moment will always stay with me.”

Overcoming Challenges and Giving Back

Juggling leadership responsibilities with school wasn’t always easy. “Time management has been one of my biggest challenges,” he admits. “Especially in high school, balancing extracurriculars, academics, and leadership roles can be tough. But I’ve learned to prioritize and schedule my time carefully.”

Despite the challenges, Anil has no regrets. Watching how committee members brought MYNA to life inspired him to take on a leadership role himself. “I realized it was time to give back to the community that had given so much to me,” he says.

Advice for Young Muslims

For those looking to get involved in their communities but unsure where to start, Anil’s advice is simple: “Start small. You don’t have to jump straight into leadership. Join a subcommittee, volunteer, and work your way up.”

And his final message to young Muslims? “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Making connections and stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to incredible opportunities. You never know what saying ‘yes’ to something new can bring.”