From spending her free periods in the Lit Center to leading Spanish Honors Society and being co-president of the Muslim Student Association, senior Salwa Mohiuddin seems to have a foot in every corner of Niles West. Mohiuddin is also co-captain of Scholastic Bowl, a part of the math team, and occasionally attends Crochet Club.

Mohiuddin explains that the reason she takes up many leadership positions is because she feels that is where she can make the most impact.

“I think being in a leadership position gives you that opportunity to really interact with the people who make up your club, you really get to delegate with them and see what your club needs and how to make it better for the students who will come after you,” Mohiuddin said. 

Mohiuddin grew up in a large Muslim community and finds great pride in her identity. She says that her endeavor to help others find pride in their identities led her to join cultural clubs and take part in community events. She specifically wants people to associate joy and positivity with learning about their culture. 

Mohiuddin took a special interest in learning Spanish due to her mother’s background growing up in Texas and speaking the language. She says that learning the language has allowed her to gain more empathy for those around her, because it gave her insight into their lives.

Spanish teacher Andrew Suarez has known Mohiuddin for two years. Last year, she was in his AP Spanish Language and Culture and this year she has AP Spanish Literature and Culture with him. Suarez explains how Mohiuddin’s leadership skills are demonstrated in a classroom setting.

“Salwa is an exceptional student and person, mature beyond her years,” Suarez said. “In class, she is confident in her abilities, always well-prepared, and deeply engaged in discussions. She approaches every topic with thoughtful analysis and a genuine curiosity to understand more… Salwa leads by example. She is always prepared, actively participates, and pushes herself and her peers to think critically and make meaningful connections.”

Mohiuddin met senior Sofija Khan when they both joined the math team; they were the only two girls on the team at the time. Together, they have encouraged more female classmates to join and have become fast friends.

“What I think makes her such a good leader is that she is always willing: willing to help, to stay around, to work on things for longer than anyone else,” Khan said. “She’s selfless and such a great person! I feel like, since I met her, I’ve become more empathetic and more understanding. Whenever I doubt myself, she’s literally right behind me supporting my every move.”

Mohiuddin credits her background for why she’s so connected to her community, and for why she has chosen to go down her career path.

“I think growing up around different cultures, whether it was the Muslim community or being desi or all the amazing cultural programs we have at West, has really driven me to look at communities,” Mohiuddin said. “I notice that some people struggle with identity, or school, or planning with the future and so I want to help. I want to be a lawyer for that reason and use my interest in the humanities to bring some sort of help or change.” 

Even in her free time, Mohiuddin does not rest. On the weekends, she volunteers with her mother at an Islamic Saturday school for children with disabilities, bakes or spends time with her sisters. She currently loves watching “Great British Bake Off” and playing badminton.