November's Hijabi of the Month is Samena Premjee who was nominated by an anonymous admirer who had this to say about her, "She recently started wearing hijab in the past year or two at the age of 16 on her own. A lot of us who wore hijab as kids did so because our mothers had us wear it.  Some continue to embrace it while others chose to leave it.  However, from what I know of Samena, she found hijab. I deeply admire her courage.  Her group of friends dress very liberally, yet she found this path and has stuck on it.  I want the nomination to be a motivator for other girls like her, who don't belong to families that practice wearing hijab (although are modest in their dressing) and a confirmation to her that she inspires others." 

My name is Samena Premjee. I'm from Irvine, California. I currently go to Irvine Valley College and I am studying Computer Science and Business.  I love my family more than anything in this world and enjoy every minute I get with them. I enjoy spending time with my little brothers and cousins. I have an amazing group of friends alhamdulilah and cherish my time with them as well. I am originally from Pakistan and I love our colorful and beautiful culture so I try to always stay in tune with it. I love watching basketball with my dad and I enjoy playing tennis. I enjoy any kind of spicy chips out there. 

1) When did you start wearing hijab? Tell us a little about your journey.I started wearing hijab when I was in my junior year of high school at the age of 16. I decided to start wearing hijab, because it helped me complete who I am. I had been thinking about it a few years before I had turned 16 and had been researching it. I was at the masjid for a question and answer session with a very respected scholar of our community. The topic of hijab had been brought up and the Sheikh said something that really stuck with me. This happened on a Sunday and the next morning I got dressed for school and decided right then, “This is it, this is my moment, it’s now or never.” I put my hijab on and I went to school. I remember all my friends were so supportive and happy for me. I was the happiest girl on the planet. My experience with hijab, alhumdulilah has been nothing but amazing.2) What guidance do you have for women who want to wear hijab but are held back by family or friends?

The imprint that I want to leave on the world is that; I want to show people what Islam truly is. Be kind to others, help others, love others. Do things that make you happy and that bring you closer to your deen. I want people to realize that everyone has a purpose in this world, but it’s your job to find your purpose.

My biggest influence in my life would have to be my mom. My mom is the definition of superwoman. She has the solution to every problem. She always knows what to say and how to present herself. She seriously gives the best advice and she’s always there for me. My mom is more like my sister to be completely honest. I can tell her anything and we’ll crack jokes left and right. My mom was the biggest supporter of me starting hijab. She always encouraged me to do it whenever I would talk about starting. Through the journey I have had with hijab, my mom has helped me along the way through all the ups and downs.

I'drather fight the world and sleep in peace then to have to fight against or within myself for something I believe in. This is something I personally believe in, because when I wasn’t wearing hijab I was fighting within myself, but the minute I started wearing hijab, I was at peace within myself.

To someone struggling with hijab: go back to the first day you started wearing hijab, how connected to Allah (S) you were, think about how happy you were. Go back and reflect on the reason why you started wearing hijab. If you take a few minutes out of your day and reflect on why you started wearing hijab, your faith in your hijab with grow stronger and stronger each day.