How I came to Islam…I left my hometown back in Italy, in January 1998. I wanted to study English in London and then back at home I would have found a job. My idea was to be a tourist guide in Rome or around Italy. I needed English as the main language. So I left Italy. I was only 18 and I didn’t know anyone in London but it was an adventure…

Once in London I started to look for a place where to sleep…yes I know crazy!! But really I didn’t know anyone… In the end I found this place and stayed for the night. The day after, I was already in search of a job and a college. As days went by I was getting more apprehensive as I couldn’t find any job and money was running out very quickly…I found myself, in this chapel in central London and decided to go in and pray. I was really sad and felt lonely… I knelled down and started to pray to God. I was never the kind of Christian who would pray to Jesus. I prayed to God alone and asked Him to help me. While I was crying to God, a priest came out and was surprised to see a young lady crying and praying. He came over and asked if I was ok. He said to have patience because God rewards those who have patience… I felt better and left…But my prayer on that day was answered one year and a half later…

The first time I was introduced to islam was in fourth grade, but I didn't know it yet. I  woke up and heard my dad yell "holly shit! Someone just ran a plane into the towers" for many years I though islam and terrorist went hand and hand. Potato patato. I thought islam was another word for terrorism. That's just what the media and society taught me.

The next time I was introduced to islam was freshman year of high school. We went on a camping trip with family friends. And one of the people that always come with, had brought a friend. Who went in the tent five times a day for some reason. I wonder why.......

At about junior year in high school I knew there was a difference between islam and terrorism.  Senses can remember, I went to church almost every Sunday. if I spent the night at a friends house on a Saturday night, my mom would pick me up Sunday morning to go to church. There was this man who went to church with us and he was getting married to a Muslim woman. And her family disowned her. This also put another negative image of islam in my thoughts.

The summer of 2010 hit and I had just graduated! I was ready to get my party on. i was always so shy until this point. i was ready to break out of my shell and actually be a social person for one in my life. There is no better way to get rid of nerves than downing a few shots of liquid courage!Like most of the teenagers it was time to party and do things which we see normal. Fall came, I was going to college at the local community college. I was still a Heavy party goer.