Cool People: Farheen Dayala

Today I am featuring someone I actually know in real life, not just as an acquaintance, but as a friend. I met Farheen Dayala two years ago when we worked together on the school newspaper. Actually, I think I met her the year before that but we became friends the year she was the opinion editor and I was the news editor. She is now working as a marketing assistant and freelance writer.

It’s impressive how much she knows about what is going on in the world and how she thoughtful engages with others on a wide variety of topics. She’s also a complete goofball and lovely person to know. Even though I know her, I still thought it would be nice to do a Q&A so my readers can get to know her too.

What motivates you to be a part of media?
I love media; it’s so fascinating to me. You can do so much with the right media exposure. I wanted to be a part of media after [seeing] the bad media that Muslims sometimes get. Being Muslim myself, I want to help change the image of Muslims in the United States. Many people don’t know a Muslim person in real life yet they may believe that ALL Muslims are terrorists, because of the way we are portrayed in the media, when that’s not the case. We’re your neighbors, teachers, doctors, journalists, etc.

What is one thing you wish more people understood?
I wish people understood the importance of understanding one another! Media is great, but sometimes when we hear about different various topics, whether it’s war, or gay marriage, or whatever the hot topic issue is, we just take it for face value. We see numbers, we see data, but we don’t see the HUMAN, the person, the life behind it all. I strongly believe that if we took the time to talk to one another with an open mind and heart, we’d be able to get along better and that can lead to less hate. We don’t have to love everything or agree with everything someone else believes or loves, but when there’s understanding, there’s compassion, there’s a common ground.

What is your primary motivation for writing?
I guess just the fact that I love how I feel alive when I write. If I want to be true to myself, then I have to write, it’s just a part of me.

How do you relax after a stressful day, week or year?
After a stressful day I’ll put on a season of FRIENDS. I recently bought the entire series and it’s the best purchase I’ve made in a long time. After a stressful week, I’ll go hang out with my niece and nephews! They make me more happy than anything else in the whole entire world. Other than that, I always turn to God when I’m stressed out and pray for patience and perseverance.