Freshman Zahra Shaikh is starting her first year in journalism. Shaikh values making new connections and persevering through challenges. Coming into high school, Shaikh hopes to join a number of clubs such as UPA’s Muslim Student Association and Reptiles Club and aims to create an Introduction to Python Club. She enjoys mathematics and expressing her creative side by drawing people and silly cats. As someone who often reminds herself that she has control over her own life, she likes to reflect and ask others for advice before making a decision. Shaikh believes that pushing through and never giving up—even when faced with failure—is important, though, it might seem repetitive. She strongly values her loved ones, connecting with people, long conversations with friends and the happiness of others around her as well as her own. The importance of women and the meaning of modesty to Muslims is a topic Shaikh believes should be made known more. Joining Aquila, Shaikh aims to focus on making articles and designs where she can utilize her creative abilities in ways she has not done before.