Ribaat Academic Institute congratulates the July Student of the Month, a dedicated and inspiring individual whose story embodies the spirit of growth and discovery: Liset Rodriguez!
She is a proud Mexican American, originally from the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, currently residing in Minnesota, conveniently close to Rabata! She comes from a large family with seven kids, and her journey through education has been diverse, starting at a Spanish-immersion elementary school before transitioning to an all-English school.
Her introduction to Islam came during 6th grade, around the age of 12, when she first encountered it at school. The clarity and novelty of the faith captured her interest. She even shared her newfound curiosity with a pen pal at the time, marking the beginning of a lifelong journey. Today, she is married to a Native American convert, and together, they are embarking on the adventure of starting a family.
For the past 12 years, Liset has worked as a medical laboratory scientist/technologist in a hospital lab. This often-overlooked field involves processing and testing blood and body fluids in various disciplines such as chemistry, immunology, hematology, urinalysis, transfusion medicine, and microbiology. She handles thousands of samples daily, examining them under microscopes, documenting findings, and coordinating with pathologists for abnormal results.
Outside of her professional and academic pursuits, she is passionate about sewing. She has been creating her own modest wardrobe for a decade now, starting with simple projects like hemming skirts and sewing hijab cap. Perhaps we’ll see her creations at the Rabata Cultural Center one day?
Her Ribaat Journey
Her journey with Ribaat began in the Spring 2024 term, starting with the Arabic Novice Beginner class. She discovered Rabata by chance, noticing it while driving near the RCC, and later attended their weekly worship on Wednesday evenings. The convenience of online courses has been a blessing, allowing her to balance her work schedule while pursuing her studies.
Arabic has been the first and only class she has taken with Ribaat so far. She says, “I didn’t expect to like studying a language so much. It feels more like practicing a skill, than hard work. I especially like practicing my handwriting. Arabic is such a beautiful written language.”
Liset says that Ustadha Alia Selim stands out amongst the teachers she’s met at Ribaat. She says, “Ustadha Alia Selim is so encouraging, warm and kind. She cheers us on after we answer something right. We all loved her and wish she could continue teaching us! She started teaching this spring; we were so fortunate to have her.”
Liset tells us that her experience with Ribaat has been nothing short of amazing. The program’s quality, the expertise of native-speaking instructors, and the real-time feedback have all contributed to a rich learning environment. The sense of community, even in a remote class setting, is fostered through Zoom sessions and a WhatsApp group.
Learning Arabic has given her hope and confidence in her ability to achieve her goals. What once seemed like an unattainable dream—mastering MSA Arabic—now feels within reach. This newfound inspiration extends to all Islamic Studies, making her realize that with the right language skills, nothing is out of reach.
Her primary goal is to complete the Arabic language and Tajwīd programs through Ribaat. She also hopes to explore other classes if her schedule allows. The flexibility of Ribaat’s course offerings and the ease of navigating their website make it convenient to tailor her studies to her interests and availability.
Liset says her journey of faith, learning, and personal growth has been incredibly fulfilling and she is grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped her, and she looks forward to continuing this path with Ribaat. May Allah ﷻ bless her path ahead and elevate her learning and understanding.
