Hussein Hijazi.
The MFA DE&I Council would like to see an industry where everyone can thrive, feel heard, supported, and safe to do their best work. Let’s meet the Changers who are sharing their own lived experiences to inspire us all to change for the better.
Ramadan is a special time of year for me. It’s a month that slows everything down. It’s more than just fasting from sunrise to sunset; it’s about traditions, moments, and memories that help me appreciate the deeper meaning of the month. It’s a time to pause, reconnect with myself, and, most importantly, connect with those around me.
Suhoor is one of my favourite parts of Ramadan. Waking up early, before the sun rises, to have the first meal of the day feels like such a special experience. There’s something peaceful about the stillness of those early hours. Growing up, I remember these moments so specifically – sitting with my family, sharing stories, and all the laughs.
What makes Ramadan special to me is how it allows me to pause time in a unique way. I have also found it super helpful as a career tool working in a fast-paced industry like media. It offers the chance to step back from the rush of everyday life and check in with myself.
It’s a time to be intentional, practise gratitude, and appreciate the small things that are often overlooked. I’ve learned the values of mindfulness, self-discipline and personal growth.
Mindfulness has taught me to be present and to truly experience life. Self-discipline has given me the strength to focus on what matters, while fostering resilience.
Personal growth means striving to be a better version of myself, whether through reflection or pushing myself in different areas of life. One thing my parents taught me that stuck with me is how Ramadan is about living with purpose and making space to grow.
I truly began to understand Ramadan in high school. I think it was because it was my first experience managing multiple things at once while fasting: balancing classes, extracurriculars, and the social pressures of high school.
While I always tried to plan everything, but with so much going on, things didn’t always go the way I thought they would. During that time, I started journaling, reflecting on my thoughts and recording moments of gratitude. I found this to be a game changer in the best way possible!
A strong sense of community during Ramadan is super important to me, and that extends to my career. Being part of a supportive work environment makes all the difference. Working while fasting can be an adjustment, but being part of an incredible work environment with colleagues who check in and support you makes the process that much more incredible.
Balancing a career and fasting has made me more resilient, focused, and intentional in how I approach new experiences ahead.
Ramadan Mubarak! I hope this month brings you peace, growth, and so much more. In the fast-paced world of media, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush, but I encourage you, whether or not you celebrate Ramadan, to take a moment for yourself. Reflect on all you’ve accomplished, be intentional with your time, and embrace the incredible possibilities that lie ahead.
Hussein Hijazi is Digital Scheduling Coordinator at oOh!media
To broaden your understanding of DE&I, complete the SBS Core Inclusion course – Australia’s leading online DE&I training course – available for free to MFA member employees.
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