While Ramadan and Lent happening right now, many students adjust their daily routines during the school day, balancing faith with the demands of classes. Some fast from food and drink, while others give up everyday habits they’re used to.
According to the Pew Research Center, about 8 in 10 Muslims in the U.S. fast during Ramadan, while around 1 in 5 in the U.S adults fast for religious reasons during Lent. They are different traditions, but both are about self-discipline and becoming a better person.
Junior Ahmad Maghid fasts from sunrise to sunset. To him its more than just not eating or drinking.
“It’s about self-discipline and focusing on being a better person,” Maghid said. During the school day it can be hard at first, “I just push through it honestly, you get used to it after a few days.”
As the day goes on, it can get more challenging. Maghid said a headache starts around third or fourth block, and his energy fades by the end of the day.
“I’m focused in the morning, but tired later on,” Maghid said.
Instead of going to lunch, he spends his time in the library getting his homework done.
Outside of school, Ramadan brings moments he looks forward to. Before sunrise, he eats simple meals like rice or eggs, and after sunset he breaks his fast with dates followed by a full home-cooked meal.
“Eating a big dinner with my whole family every night is my favorite part.”
In his family, breaking fast together is a daily tradition.
“Not every family does it, but for us it’s a mandatory family dinner.”
Junior Yan Manresa observes Lent. The experience is different but still requires commitment. Instead of fasting all day, he chose to give up something that affects his daily life.
“It means being willing to drop something I’m not proud of for the betterment of myself,” he said.
This year, he gave up doom scrolling on his phone to focus more on self-improvement, which hasn’t been easy.
“It messes with what I do normally,” Manresa said.
On the bus ride to school, when he would normally scroll through his phone, Manresa keeps it in his pocket and instead chooses to talk with friends or just sit and look outside the window.
Avoiding sweets and certain foods at school can also be difficult but he has still noticed positive changes in himself.
Even without strong family traditions tied to Lent, staying committed for 40 days can be challenging especially when it comes to habits most all teens have. According to U.S Department of Human and Health Services, two-thirds of teenagers use social media every day and one-third report using social media constantly, making it difficult for students like Manresa to break habits like doom scrolling. The purpose of Lent for Manresa is to become a better person in general.
Although Ramadan and Lent are different, both show how students can stay committed to their beliefs while balancing school. They give others a better understanding of what fasting and self-discipline looks like in their everyday lives and how those daily choices can shape who they become.
