Politics & Maryam
		I am not a fan of politics, but looking at the extent to which they are integrated into our everyday lives, I have discovered a new joy in reading, researching, and getting more involved in the whole political arena! One of the programs I am very fond of and an alum of, if I may add, is the Muslim Student Network (also known as MSN). No, this is not an advertisement for MSN. I am speaking from the heart when I talk about my MSN experience. For those of you who want to stop and first find out what MSN is all about, I would highly recommend reading up on it (hint hint)! Now that you have perused through the MSN site in such thorough detail, let me tell you about my experience in the MSN Summer Program… I participated in the MSN program in the summer of 2002 for two months.  It was truly a wonderful program!  I feel that I learned so much from it about politics in the U.S., how Muslims can get more politically involved, etc.  Not only was it extremely educational (in deen and dunya), but it was also a place where I made some lifelong friendships, MashaAllah.  You meet students from all across the U.S.... and, yes, you learn to think outside of the box too :-)
				The MSNers in front of the Capitol
	Around 2 dozen upperclassmen college and grad students do policy-related internships in DC for June and July - non profits, think tanks, state dept, congress, white house.  You make great contacts and it really teaches you how things in DC get done - we need Muslims who understand the process!   On nights/weekends we have group discussions on Islam in politics, Islamic law, etc.  There's a scholar living in the house (she's amazing, MashaAllah), and there are great visiting speakers (Tariq Ramadan of Switzerland stayed with us a couple days, an NYU law professor, a law professor from South Africa, Sulayman Nyang of Gtown) and Capitol Hill staffers who come. I learned much from these people and the diverse students in the program who range from the left to the right and come from different sects/madhab's and socioeconomic levels.  We also had trips to the AMC convention, CAIR, and ICNA. Guys and girls live in separate houses and meet for classes/meals.  You live with and befriend Muslims who'll be future leaders, as well as past MSNers.  At the end there's a banquet, in an unbelievable Congressional ballroom, you can speak at with hundreds of guests including diplomats, professors, scholars, congresspeople, ambassadors, etc. I tried to provide some general information about the MSN Summer Program, but if you have any specific questions, feel free to contact me. If you live in the area, I also have an MSN booklet that I can give to you so you have a better idea of the program. While I was a participant of MSN, my days were spent on the Hill interning under Senator Paul Sarbanes of Maryland.  I was mostly in the Hart Building, although I did get to travel on that special trolley in the Capitol Building!!  I felt like I was in Mr. Roger's Neighborhood whenever I went on it =)  I really enjoyed my time at the Senate, and I learned a whole lot as well.  One of the driving forces behind my passion for politics is the need for American Muslims to become more aware and involved in the politics of the U.S.  How can Muslims expect to bring about any positive changes in our country if we aren't active and passionate about domestic and international issues?  It's very important to put forth the effort and not just provide lip service.  If you are a university student reading this, I definitely would recommend spending some time on the Hill learning about public policy.  You don't even have to necessarily be majoring in that field... hey, look at me - I was a hardcore engineer who went into politics. There is hope for anyone =)  Good luck!
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