Meet a student

10 minutes with…. 

Aleyna Aydeyer

Aleyna Aydeyer is a Year 10 student here at Marian College. She tells us a little more about herself … in 10 minutes.

1. Tell us a little about your life outside of school? Eg. Family, hobbies. Passions
   Outside of school, I enjoy spending quality time with my family discussing topics of the international political state of the world, religious topics and debating on character development regarding new films and texts. My hobbies include reading novels under the genre of Arabian fantasy and classical political mystery, and exploring new places. These influence my prose. I definitely have an obsessive passion for literature.
    
2. What do you like most about being a student at Marian College?
   What I genuinely like the most about being a Muslim student at Marian College is the hidden gems within the school, teachers and staff genuinely care about our academic and personal growth, making learning a rewarding and enjoyable experience. While also connecting and relating to them where students build a sense of comradeship with the teachers. I must say the librarians will definitely have a soft spot for the students who compliment them.
    
3. Who inspires you:
   At school, I am inspired by my English teachers; Ms. Stafford, Ms. Cogdon, Ms. Whitlock and Ms. Scully who encouraged and motivated me to excel in my love for literature and film analysis.
    
4. What are the biggest challenges facing teenage girls today?
   The biggest challenges facing teenage girls today include societal pressures, body image issues, and mental health concerns. Finding a balance between academics, social life, and personal well-being can also be challenging.
    
5. What advice would you give to students at Marian College?
   My advice to students at Marian College would be to build personal development, discipline and resilience. Ensure that you find your purpose for living, while also leaning towards what you excel in. For the ones who aren’t ‘naturally talented’ you will value every success more when faced with mistakes and failure. This is called humility, a trait that is difficult to earn in life as it transforms obstacles into stepping stones and deepens character. Balancing academics, social life and personal well-being is difficult for everyone including adults so make sure to remove your perfectionist standards and include your effort more often. Don’t go so hard on yourself.
    
6. Favourite food & drink?
   I don’t really have a favourite food. I have the same taste as an old man and picky toddler. Although I love pistachios, dates and figs and my favourite drinks include a nice warm cup of honey milk and hot chocolate.
    
7. Favourite holiday destination?
   My favourite holiday destination is Queensland, Australia. The waves at the beaches are crazy fun and they have lots of events including local cultural celebrations and tons of exciting theme parks                                                                                                            
8. Favourite TV show & Movie?
   My favourite TV show is "The Legend of Korra," my favourite movie is "The Freedom Writers" and my current favourite novel is "We Hunt the Flame" by Hafsah Faizal.
    
9. What are your dreams for the future?
   My dreams for the future include being a part of making a positive impact on society by showing an Islamic perspective to societal issues.
    
10.  Which people in history would you like to invite to a dinner party?
    1) The ‘Mother’ of the believers: Khadija (ra),2) The Wife of Prophet Muhammad (saw): Aisha (ra),3) The mother of Prophet Jesus (sa): Maryam (ra),4) Khadija’s (ra) daughter: Fatima (ra) and5) The mother of Prophet Musa Asiyah (ra).