I Am the Future is a groundbreaking project by Elhaam Academy that serves as a powerful platform for young learners to express their dreams, aspirations, and creativity. Under the guidance of Dina Uddin, who played a pivotal role in designing the cover art, thematic formatting, and photography, the book represents a collaborative effort by students from kindergarten to 6th grade. With its central theme, “You Are the Future,” the book seeks to inspire children to imagine their roles in shaping a better world and encourages them to embrace their potential as change-makers in their communities. Special thanks are extended to Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, the director of Elhaam Academy, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in bringing this meaningful project to life.
The book aligns closely with Elhaam Academy’s mission to nurture wisdom, creativity, and ambition among young learners. By choosing a theme centered around the future, the project empowers students to think critically about their aspirations and their place in a rapidly evolving world. The academy, whose name translates to “inspiration” in Arabic, aims to instill a sense of purpose and confidence in children, enabling them to dream boldly and act meaningfully. Through storytelling, artwork, and reflections, the book captures the essence of what it means to be part of a supportive and forward-thinking educational community.
One of the most unique aspects of I Am the Future is the active participation of students, who contributed their reflections, stories, and illustrations. The book preserves these contributions in the students’ original handwriting and artistic style, emphasizing authenticity and individuality.
Students from various grades shared their dreams for the future:
Kindergarten: Alisha Khan wants to be a doctor to help people and ensure everyone is happy. Fatin Isra aspires to become an astronaut to explore stars and planets. Radiya Samreen dreams of being a princess to spread joy and give toys to children. Saraya Mozumder wants to be a teacher, inspired by her mother. Swaliha Ahmad and Zahaar Chowdhury both want to become doctors to save lives. Ibrahim Sireen plans to be a teacher and eventually a principal. Musa Hossain and Arham Mohammad aim to be firefighters to help people in need.
1st Grade: Zahra Hoque envisions herself as a princess because of their beauty. Adyba Mubassira plans to be a doctor to help others. Ibrahaim Gonzalez wants to become a scientist to conduct fun experiments, like creating volcanoes. Ishaq Ahmed aspires to teach and draw classrooms full of eager students. Jannah Hoosein wants to write stories, and her book will be called “Mr. Frog and Toad” and “Dragon.” Aaron Rusan dreams of being both a U.S. soldier and an Islamic researcher to serve his country and community.
2nd Grade: Jamila Hoosein wants to follow in her father’s footsteps and become a mathematician. Musa Bhuiyan and Anas Abdullah aspire to be skilled football players, with Musa aiming to become the best in the world. Araf Amin and Yusuf Amin both dream of being artists, inspired by the beauty of nature. Zohan Kazi wants to be a doctor to heal the sick, and Sajid Islam envisions being a YouTuber creating helpful videos.
3rd Grade: Syed Ihsan wants to work in IT, helping others with technology and learning more about it himself. Alifa Zaman dreams of being either a barista who makes coffee or a teacher who inspires younger students. Ayaan Masum aspires to be a professional gamer, influenced by his love for games like Fortnite and Roblox. Maymuna Alamo wants to teach art and create opportunities for underprivileged communities.
4th Grade: Ahmed Malek plans to become a police officer to protect communities. Muhammad Sudais wants to design buildings as an architect, combining imagination and math. Idris Bhuiyan shares a similar ambition to serve as a police officer. Sarah Hoque aims to become a poet, focusing on raising awareness about Palestine. Saifan Nehan wants to be a computer science engineer to deepen his knowledge of technology. Arian Hoque dreams of engineering a building for his parents.
5th Grade: Aisha Sireen wants to be a children’s nurse and possibly a taekwondo instructor. Eesa Ahmed envisions being a brave soldier who helps the poor. Ahyan Kazi aspires to be a successful and popular YouTuber. Mohammad Alamo wants to be a firefighter willing to sacrifice his life for others. Adam Mohammad dreams of delivering packages on a motorcycle. Ameera Syeda wants to be an architect designing homes with strong structures. Samiya Rahim dreams of being a nurse or a karate instructor.
6th Grade: Uwais Islam aspires to be a boxer to earn sponsorships and donate to the homeless. Samir Mohammad wants to become a basketball player, inspired by his favorite player, Young.
The project not only encouraged creativity but also gave each child a platform to express their individuality.
The book is deeply rooted in Elhaam Academy’s STEAM Quest Program, which integrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math to create meaningful learning experiences. Through this program, students participated in activities that revolved around the theme of community building. These sessions helped them gain insights into how communities function and inspired them to think about their future roles. Projects included collaborative art, design activities, and scientific explorations that encouraged innovative thinking. By connecting these hands-on activities to the overarching theme, the academy ensured that students not only contributed to the book but also developed a deeper understanding of the societal impact they can make.
I Am the Future is not just a book; it is a celebration of community, creativity, and possibility. It showcases the collective effort of students, teachers, and the Elhaam Academy administration in creating a work that is both meaningful and inspiring. The book stands as a reminder that the future is shaped by the ideas and actions of the present, and it inspires readers to reflect on their own contributions to the world around them. By preserving the students’ original work, the academy has created a timeless keepsake that will serve as a source of pride and motivation for years to come. In conclusion, I Am the Future is more than a milestone project—it is a declaration of hope and inspiration. It reflects Elhaam Academy’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment where young learners can thrive creatively and intellectually. Special recognition goes to Imam Muhammad Shahidullah, whose leadership as the director of Elhaam Academy played a vital role in realizing this initiative. Through its heartfelt storytelling and artwork, the book reminds us that the future indeed begins with the dreams and aspirations of today’s youth.
