Before 9/11, I was a kid with a 'funny' name, foreign accent, and brown. After 9/11, I was a kid who fit the description of the threat the media sold everyone about Muslims. I experienced Islamophobia and racism personally and systemically through associated 'random' interrogations, surveillance, and harassment. I was bullied and ridiculed for my identity. America made me experience that. In turn, I became the advocate I am today to fight it and all forms of civil injustice.