Takeover Melbourne winner, Zara — Burnside Heights, Victoria
It was the first day of year seven — a fresh start for most kids and thoughts were racing through my mind as I was getting ready.
I am a Muslim girl. Growing up, religion was never imposed but it was a way of life.
Wearing the hijab is part of my faith.
But I was embarrassed to wear it in front of my friends and I didn't want to give up things I was passionate about, so I kept putting it off and I realised years had gone by.
The fear of not being accepted had swallowed me whole.
Year seven felt like a new beginning for me. So in the morning, I went into my mum's room and held up a white scarf. She knew what it meant, so she wrapped it on me. The warmth of her hands and the scent of sweet perfume gave me ease.
As we drove to school, I was both excited and nervous.
How would my classmates react?
I took some deep breaths and entered the class. The room was filled with silence, but it was radiating with excitement.
Time passed. No one said anything. I was shocked.
After class, I reunited with my friends. We talked, caught up, and made jokes. Wearing the hijab didn't change anything.
Since then, I've been wearing it everywhere — I feel so bare without it, like it's part of me.
I've realised that I can be more open about myself and continue to do anything without worrying about what others think.
Every time I'm afraid of doing something new, I ask myself, "who's even judging the situation?" and the answer is always "me".