Working at the Fish Interfaith Center has been an incredible part of my journey as a
student at Chapman. My freshman year at Chapman I really struggled to find a community and a
space that felt truly inclusive and welcoming. So I was quite pleased when I learned that Fish
was hiring my sophomore year and I applied for a job– and I’m so thankful I did. I had only
previously been to Fish my freshman year to attend MSA (Muslim Student Association)
meetings and the space had always felt very welcoming and safe. Fish gave me exactly what I
was looking for at the beginning of my college experience: a sense of community. I have worked
at Fish for the last three years and I can honestly say it never gets old walking into work and
running into all the chaplains and my co-workers and catching up with everyone. I have met such
wonderful spiritual and religious leaders at Fish, many of whom have taught me a great deal and
inspired me with their leadership, as well as a commitment to social justice and equity. I have also
had the opportunity to work with some of the kindest souls at Chapman, my fellow docents, and
have built many meaningful friendships that I know will outlive my college experience. One of
the hardest parts of senior year is coming to terms with the fact that college is almost over and
that it is almost time to move onto a new chapter of my life. Preparing to say goodbye to Fish
and the incredibly supportive and loving community I have found there has by far been one of
the hardest parts of my college experience coming to a close.

– Yasmeen Abu Khalaf ‘21