Maroof's outlook has changed drastically since then. She said she now finds her identity in being able to practice her religion freely.
"I'm feeling really lucky to even be in this country because, as a minority, you're forced to question everything that you do because it's not the norm," she said. "This takes away the more ritualistic actions of implementing faith."
One prominent way that Maroof indicates her faith is by the scarf, called a Hijab, that she always wears on her head. She said the purpose of the scarf, as well as the loose clothing -- long sleeves and pants -- is to emphasize a woman's intellect and character over her aesthetic beauty. "My freedom is in who I allow to see my body," Maroof said.
The scarf is also important to her because it strengthens her faith. "One thing I love about wearing a scarf is that people know I'm Muslim right away, and it's an awesome opportunity to talk to others about my religion," she said.
Maroof said the main crux of her religion is a belief in one God, and her commitment to God motivates her actions.
She said one such way she honors God is by not eating pork or drinking alcohol. "It's not just a bunch of rules to make life difficult," she said. "For Muslims, prevention is the cure."
A Different Perspective
This week is Passover, and for freshman Liz Kistin, that means thoughts of her family in New Mexico and memories of holidays they shared together.
Kistin, whose family practices reform Judaism, said her parents never forced her nor her siblings to go to services at synagogue but placed more emphasis on the cultural aspect of their religion.
"It was always a choice for us," Kistin said. "They wanted us to find that pride and ownership in it for ourselves."
Living on the UNC campus, Kistin has found that people around here have limited interaction with Jews.
But she is used to that because the Jewish population in New Mexico was minimal as well. Kistin said she has found a lack of information about Judaism in the South. But she said she never finds herself on the defensive because people ask open-ended questions. "You do a lot more explaining, which isn't a problem," she said.
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Coming to UNC, Kistin said she was afraid that people were going to be less accepting, but she said the reality has disproved her expectations.
"There's so many people that value religion that they're not going to impede your right to practice religion."
On campus, Kistin participates in a group called Tzedek Leadership Initiative, a social justice program run through N.C. Hillel. The group meets once a month to create service projects for both its members and the larger campus. Kistin says part of what the program does is tie Judaism to social justice.
"It's the perfect kind of way to feel connected with the Jewish population because what I gain from my religion has less to do with sitting in services than it has to do with action," Kistin said.
One action Kistin hopes to take next winter is a free trip to Israel with a group called Birthright Israel.
During difficult times, Kistin has found consolation through her religion. "There's something very refreshing about being able to say the Mourner's Kaddish, and it brings amazing comfort."
Kistin said the most direct way her religion affects her daily life is through perspective. "The fact that I was raised Jewish affects how I see things on campus."
A Personal Relationship
Being God's servant is a "24/7 gig" for junior Gary Mitchell.
Mitchell said part of his Christian faith is a call to be flexible and open to take opportunities that God sends his way, such as sharing his faith or encouraging someone.
"There are people all over this campus who are hurting, and they need to know that someone cares and to have friends to show them that God loves them," Mitchell said. "Being friendly and showing love to people is key."
Besides serving God in this way, Gary spends time throughout the week in activities of faith. He plays guitar and leads worship for Fellowship of Christian Athletes on Monday nights and plays the drums for Campus Crusade for Christ on Thursday nights. He also sets aside time every day for praying and reading his Bible.
As a religious studies major, Mitchell learns about a variety of religious faiths, and he says it can sometimes be difficult to reconcile views with others who are adamant about their faith.
"There are some questions that I still don't have answers to, but the Bible says we live by faith and not by sight," he said. "I believe that God is just and He knows what He's doing."
Mitchell said students often get the wrong idea about his Christian faith.
"Most people think that Christianity is about following a bunch of rules, being a goody-goody or condemning other people, but the essence of Christianity is about grace and love," Mitchell said. "People need to understand that no matter who we are or what we've done, God still loves us. He wants us to accept the free gift of forgiveness that He has given us by His Son, Jesus Christ."
Mitchell said his parents encouraged the Christian faith but never shoved it down his throat. "A person of any religious faith faces a time when they have to decide if they believe what they believe because their parents taught it to them or because they've experienced it, and they can say it's theirs," he said. "But I've always known that Jesus loves me."
A Cultural Experience
For senior Nikheel Purohit, religion and culture come "packaged together." Purohit said a Hindu temple serves not only as a place of worship but also as a cultural center. He recalls that on religious holidays, his family would engage in a cultural activity, such as Indian dances or skits.
Raised in what he described as a very religious family, Purohit said Pooja -- a ritual done while praying -- was a daily experience. And while Purohit does not engage in Pooja every day here on campus, he has found other ways to be involved in the Hindu faith and culture.
"I don't do much on a daily basis, but I think I rely on my religion through hardships such as social problems, academics and other things that trouble me," he said.
At these times, Purohit said he can go to the Hindu temple in Raleigh to pray and that usually makes him feel better. "Temple provides a place to sit and think and react," he said. He added that he might go to temple on holidays, his birthday and before exams.
At UNC, Purohit embraces his culture through Sangam, an association of South Asian students. He serves as co-chairman for Aaj Ka Dhamaka, a cultural competition held annually to raise money for the UNC Mahatma Gandhi Fellowship.
Purohit spent nearly 20 hours per week during the fall semester working closely with two other students to plan the November show. "It really helped me with managing my time and trying to get other people to work," he said.
Purohit said his parents constantly reminded him he was different and worried that he would lose his culture. "I was constantly being reminded 'remember you're Hindu' and 'remember you're Indian.'"
Although Purohit said his parents' actions made him feel more comfortable with people of the same religion and culture, he said he has gained much through interaction with students of other faiths.
Referring to the orange Marty shirts that pepper campus, he said, "I didn't realize how passionate other people were about their own religion."
The University Editor can be reached at udesk@unc.edu.
